Arsenal F.C. manager Mikel Arteta has handed Nigerian-descent midfielder Ifeoluwa David Ibrahim the opportunity to train with the club’s first team ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen.
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The 18-year-old was spotted training with the senior squad at the Sobha Realty Training Centre in London Colney as the Gunners intensified preparations for the Champions League round-of-16 second-leg encounter.
Ibrahim, a product of Arsenal’s famed Hale End Academy, has moved closer to the senior setup amid injury concerns affecting key midfielders including Mikel Merino and Martin Ødegaard.
The promising midfielder made his professional debut earlier this year when he came off the bench in Arsenal’s 3–2 UEFA Champions League victory over FC Kairat in January.
He also earned another first-team call-up on March 7, when he was named among the substitutes for Arsenal’s FA Cup round-of-16 clash with Mansfield Town F.C..
Player Profile
Born on January 20, 2008, in Newham, England, Ibrahim is a versatile midfielder known for his composure on the ball, defensive awareness and ability to initiate attacking moves from deep positions.
He joined Arsenal at the age of seven and progressed steadily through the youth ranks at Hale End before signing his first professional contract with the club in January 2026.
Primarily deployed as a defensive or central midfielder, Ibrahim is also capable of playing in defence when required.
His style of play has drawn comparisons from fans to Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira due to his ball-winning ability and physical presence in midfield.
At youth level, Ibrahim has represented England national under‑18 football team but remains eligible to play for Nigeria through his heritage.
During the 2025/26 season, he has featured in several competitions for Arsenal’s development sides including the Premier League 2, EFL Trophy, UEFA Youth League, U18 Premier League and the FA Youth Cup.
Meanwhile, Nathan Tella will not feature for Bayer Leverkusen against Arsenal after the Nigerian forward was not registered by the German club for the Champions League knockout phase.
