Arsenal have confirmed that their academy system has retained its category one status for the next three years.
The Arsenal academy has been held in high regard for a number of years, with Arsene Wenger well known for bringing talented youngsters into the Gunners' first team.
Alex Iwobi one the latest recruits to make the grade, and could be handed a chance to lead the front line next season with Olivier Giroud resting after Euro 2016 and Wenger struggling to sign a new forward.
The Gunners announced the boost to their long-term plans on Tuesday afternoon, with an official statement reading: "Our academy has been awarded top tier status ahead of the 2016/17 season.
"The youth setup of every Premier League club is independently assessed as part of the Elite Player Performance Plan.
"The review looks at the quality of coaching, training facilities and education amongst other factors.
"We were granted ‘Category One’ status for the next three seasons.
"The elite ranking enables us to continue to recruit and develop the best young players in the country."
Academy manager Andries Jonker said: "We’re pleased that our academy has once again been recognised with Category One status this year.
"Developing top young players is a key part of our philosophy.
"Last season was an exciting one for us.
"The progress of players like Alex Iwobi was fantastic and we continued a refurbishment project at our Hale End academy.
"The new facility will give our young players the best possible environment to develop their game.
"We’re looking forward to another year of progress in 2016/17."
