44 Jimi Gower

Born on October 10, 2004, in Harold Wood, UK, Jimi Gower has football in his blood. His father, Mark Gower, played professionally for Swansea City and Southend United. Following in his footsteps, Jimi joined Arsenal’s academy in June 2017, arriving from Southend’s youth setup at just 12 years old.

Rise Through the Arsenal Academy

Dominating Midfield for the U18s & U21s

Gower steadily progressed through Arsenal’s ranks, impressing with his technical ability, passing range, and control of the game’s tempo. His standout performances for the U18s earned him a promotion to the U21 squad, where he made a significant impact in Premier League 2.

In the 2022–23 season, he:

• Made 20 appearances in Premier League 2
• Scored 2 goals and provided 2 assists
• Played a crucial role in Arsenal’s 6-2 victory over Manchester United in the play-off round of 16

His leadership and ability to dictate play cemented his status as one of Arsenal’s brightest midfield prospects.

Signing His First Professional Contract

Recognizing his potential, Arsenal rewarded Gower with his first professional contract in July 2023. This milestone marked his official step towards first-team contention.

First-Team Experience & Future Prospects

Touring with the First Team

In the summer of 2023, Gower was included in Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the USA, training alongside senior players. This experience provided him with invaluable exposure to top-level football and demonstrated Mikel Arteta’s faith in his development.

Playing Style & Strengths

• Vision & Passing: Gower excels at controlling possession and distributing the ball effectively.
• Composure: He remains calm under pressure, dictating the game’s rhythm.
• Technical Ability: A natural playmaker, he possesses excellent ball control and dribbling skills.
• Leadership: Despite his young age, he has shown maturity and confidence in midfield.