Arsenal: Young players the better option

Arsenal are a club known for giving youth a chance and with the January transfer window now in effect, the chances of any incoming players are slim. So it’s time for the trend to continue.

The January transfer window is a week old and Arsenal fans have had to cope with the usual spiel ‘the club is working on deals and are hopeful of getting something done if a player of the desired quality can be found.’

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The Gunners have been linked with a slew of different players: Gary Cahill, Nicolas Pepe, Cristian Pavon and Denis Suarez to name a few. But, in reality, with the way the finances are handled at the club, it is more likely that a cheap-fix or short-term loan deal is the kind of move that is made. Don’t expect Arsenal to suddenly go splashing the cash.

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In that regard, if the first-team squad numbers are thin then it should do no harm in bringing through more of the under-23 squad. And not just to play in the cup games. There is some real talent within the youth ranks with players who can be an asset to the team in the second half of the season. Joe Willock, Emile Smith Rowe have already impressed in the cup competitions so far this season. And let’s not forget the likes of Zech Medley and Eddie Nketiah, who have the talent to make an impact in the coming months also.

Unai Emery is a fan of academy players and its proven with his continued selection of Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Alex Iwobi this season. He is not afraid to entrust key roles of the team to younger players, unlike many other modern managers. One of the main reasons that Emery was brought to north London was his ability to work with the players he has at his disposal rather than lavishly splashing a huge budget.

They say, ‘you never win anything with kids’. But currently, Arsenal aren’t trying to compete for the top trophies. Instead, they are attempting — and hopefully succeeding — to build a successful team for the future. Having a core group of players who came up through the youth ranks together can only be a good thing.

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It certainly shouldn’t be said that the youth players should start every match, or even the majority of matches, between now and the end of the season. But as Emery builds a top-four challenge, cup runs in the FA Cup and Europa League, and looks to build the foundations of the team for the many years to come, youth is a viable and far better option rather than an older bit-part player. that has just been signed in January. What’s the worst that could happen?

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