Both Wilshere and Watt have made debuts for the first team and Thomas could be next

Jay Emmanuel Thomas has been making waves at the Emirates for a while. Having been made captain of the u18’s side at just 16, Thomas was an integral part of the youth team that did a league and cup double in the 08/09 season. The midfielder who can also operate at centre back, left back, winger or second striker would make 39 appearances that season at both youth and reserve level scoring 7 times including 1 in Arsenal’s 4-1 victory over Man City in the FA Youth Cup final. That season he was also named as an unused sub for the first team twice and has been knocking on the door of the first team ever since.

At the start of this season the 6ft 2 player joined Blackpool on a month long loan and scored on his full debut with a header against Watford. So impressed was manager Ian Holloway with the young Gunner he struck a deal to extend the loan by 3 months and when the deal finally came to an end in November, Thomas had made 12 appearances and scored twice, not bad for a 19 year old!

Ian Holloway is hoping to take him on loan again for the rest of the season but as yet no deal has been struck, quite possibly because Wenger sees a place for Thomas in the first team this season as after the loan Thomas was named as a un used sub against Burnley, Hull and Everton.

Last week as Sol Campbell stole the headlines in his return match against West Ham’s reserves, Thomas scored a hat trick to upstage his older team mate. This would earn him a place in Arsenal’s squad against Bolton and although Fran Merida made the field ahead of him, it is more than obvious that Thomas is ready for the first team.

With injuries to Denilson and Aaron Ramsey, Thomas could very well find himself  being thrown into the first team mix and with his versatility he could very well be an asset to Arsenal’s title push.