The 16-year-old son of Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta was part of the club's U17 team last week.
Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta has three children with his wife, actress Lorena Bernal: Gabriel (16), Daniel (13), and Oliver (10). Gabriel Arteta Bernal is the eldest son and has yet to sign an official training contract with Arsenal.
According to Arsenal youth team blogger Jeorge Bird, this young talent featured in the Arsenal U17 lineup against Watford on October 1st. The Premier League Cup match ended in a 3-3 draw. Gabriel Arteta Bernal impressed Arsenal fans with his smart football intelligence and strong individual skills.
Unlike his father, who was a central midfielder, Gabriel is known for playing primarily as a right winger. If he signs a contract soon, the 16-year-old will become a first-year trainee in Arsenal's youth academy.
This is not Gabriel’s first exposure to Arsenal’s first team environment. In 2023, he was spotted at the pre-season tour training sessions in the USA. At just 14, Gabriel did not train but observed alongside the coaching staff wearing an Arsenal kit with his initials printed on it.
Gabriel Arteta Bernal is not the only child of a famous footballer in the Premier League. Kai Rooney, son of legendary Wayne Rooney, currently plays for Manchester United’s U18 team.
Meanwhile, former striker Emile Heskey’s two sons, Reigan and Jaden, both featured in Manchester City’s 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Huddersfield last month.