Arsene Wenger has placed his trust once again in his youngsters before his transfer kitty for next season is even confirmed. Three young names come to mind: Emmanuel Eboue, Johan Djourou and Nicklas Bendtner.

Eboue, 23, has come a long way in a short space of time since joining the Gunners from Belgian club Beveren two years ago. He retained his place at right-back  following the return to fitness of veteran Lauren, who was eventually released to join Portsmouth. He left so quietly I didn't even know about it.

However, for all his strengths, particularly in helping support the attack down the flanks, Eboue is still something a raw talent - and prone to the odd loss of self-control, as shown during his involvement in the melee at the end of the Carling Cup Final which earned him a three-match ban.

Wenger, though, clearly believes that Eboue has a bright future ahead, despite the club not revealing the length of the 'long-term contract.'  What do you think? Is he that good? I think Lauren was more stable and Kerrea Gilbert, before his injury, was much better. By the way, Kerrea is English.

Djourou is another young Gunner hoping for more first-team action next season. He made 30 appearances this season, mostly at centre-back, and proved stable and confident in his position. He was even called up to the senior Swiss side and made some appearances for his country.

"I am very proud of my season. I am only 20 and I have played a lot of games in the Premiership," said Djourou, whose progress was hampered by a groin problem. "That is all good for my experience and I hope I can keep going now, to play even more."

Djourou added: "Guys like Cesc [Fabregas], Denilson and Justin Hoyte have all shown that they are ready when called upon to play. We just have to be more consistent and then we can start challenging for trophies.
We have had a couple of injuries, with Thierry Henry and William Gallas, which was a bit of a blow for us - but now if everyone is back, we will have a chance for everything."

Wenger is also about to tie up another youngster on an extended contract. Danish striker Bendtner is set to return to Arsenal following a successful spell at Coca-Cola Championship runners-up Birmingham. Reports from Denmark suggest Bendtner, 19, is to be handed a new five-year deal with the Gunners.

All in all, it seems the average age of our young team will go even lower, with more youngsters hogging the limelight. Now it seems like Kolo Toure, at 26, is an old papa and Jens Lehmann is the great grandfather.

Three more Young Guns, but will they be enough to fire up Arsenal? Post your comments below or, better still, write an article for Sportingo.