The Premier League‘s return is less than a month away with teams ramping up their preparations so that they can hit the ground running at the start of August.
The summer transfer window is in full swing as sides look to bolster their ranks to improve on the 2021-22 campaign, but there’s also a host of academy youth products looking to make their mark this summer.
Here, Sportsmail assesses eight youngsters from the Big Six who will be aiming to impress during their respective pre-season tours as they eye a first-team breakthrough in the new season.
Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)
While United struggle to bring in new signings, the 18-year-old Argentine is one player fans can be excited about.
The teenager has already earned a senior international call-up, training alongside seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, and made his first-team debut towards the end of last season.
Garnacho scored a brace in United’s FA Youth Cup final triumph and followed the paths of Marcus Rashford and Paul Scholes in picking up United’s young player of the year award.
The winger made the move from Atletico Madrid for £420,000 two years ago, favouring United over Borussia Dortmund.
Garnacho idolised Cristiano Ronaldo and with the Portugal star angling for a move away, plus the abysmal 2021-22 season, there’s a chance for someone to lift the spirits of supporters and become a fan favourite.
Erik ten Hag’s proven track record of unlocking burgeoning talent bodes well, too.
Manchester United supporters can get excited about 18-year-old Alejandro Garnacho
Charlie Patino (Arsenal)
Mikel Arteta’s rebuild at the Emirates is ongoing but the Gunners have made waves in the transfer market, with the likes of £45million arrival Gabriel Jesus from champions Manchester City.
However, the manager still has a focus on bringing through the next generation following the emergence of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.
Patino, 18, could be the next big thing to come through the Gunners’ academy and he immediately won over fans by netting on his senior debut in the Carabao Cup back in December, sending supporters both in the ground and watching at home wild.
Arsenal won the battle for the starlet’s signature in 2015, fending off interest from Chelsea, Spurs and City, and that piece of business could be key to re-establishing themselves at Europe’s top table by qualifying for the Champions League.
Patino, who earned his maiden first-team start in the FA Cup against Nottingham…