Remy Mitchell takes his chance after unexpected return for Arsenal U21s

There has been much focus in the past week on Eberechi Eze’s return to Arsenal after being released as an academy player.

At U21 level a story that has some similarities is taking place, with Remy Mitchell having now made his debut for the club at that level almost six years after he received his first callup.

Mitchell, a boyhood Arsenal fan, progressed all the way through the ranks at Hale End and hit the headlines in 2018 when he featured for the U18s as a 14-year-old.

The goalkeeper was also named on the bench for the U23s as a schoolboy and went on to sign scholarship terms in 2020 before departing two years later.

Mitchell has continued to attend Arsenal matches as a fan but it appeared that his story as a player for the club was over. Except it wasn’t.

This summer Mitchell was pictured training with the club’s U18 squad and then took part in the academy photocall, sparking suggestions that he had re-signed.

He was also involved with the U21s in pre-season and is now back at the club, although his signing still hasn’t been officially announced.

Mitchell was named on the bench for the U21s against Brighton on Friday night and was pressed into action towards the end of the first half after Tommy Setford suffered an injury.

The 21-year-old gave a good account of himself and managed to keep a clean sheet as Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory.

Mitchell has certainly developed well since leaving Arsenal having gained experience in non-league football as well as featuring in Baller League.

It remains to be seen just how often Mtichell will play for the U21s this season but he is certainly a useful player to have in the squad.

The hierarchy of the club’s academy goalkeepers is somewhat unclear at present. Alexei Rojas mainly trains with the first-team but doesn’t often play matches at any level, while Setford is part of the first-team squad but has also been involved with the U21s.

Lucas Nygaard is also in the U21 squad, with Jack Porter, Khari Ranson, Jack Talbot and Remi Lupinski all part of the U18s setup.

Given that he was born in 2004, Mitchell can also be registered as an U21 player in the club’s Premier League and Champions League squads this season.

It is a story not many people could have predicted would occur but Mitchell is certainly making the most of his return to Arsenal.