Arsenal: The financial risk of youth

Arsenal are looking to commit to young players, both those that are already at the club and in their potential transfer targets. But there is a financial risk to such an approach, despite such players being cheaper in theory.

As Raul Sanllehi noted earlier this summer, Arsenal must take a different approach to running their club and building the team than many of their rivals. While other clubs in the Premier League and around Europe have vast riches to splash, the Gunners must be more efficient with their investments.

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Sanllehi described it as having to ‘outsmart the market’. His point is the same: Arsenal do not have the financial freedom to rival Manchester City, United, Liverpool and those across Europe, so they must spend smarter, not just spend more.

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A part of this outsmarting the market process sees a clear focus on youth. Much has been made of the vast array of young players already at the club, with Freddie Ljunberg promoted into a first-team assistant coach role to lead a ‘transition team’ to help with moving players from the academy and into the first team between the ages of 18 and 21. But in the transfer window also, there has been a purposeful search for young players, primarily because they tend to be cheaper.

The two names leading the list right now are William Saliba of Saint Etienne and Dominik Szoboszlai of RB Salzburg. Both 18, both tipped as future stars but not yet fully realised their potential, the thought is that Arsenal can sign the pair before they have completed their development for a price far more reasonable than what they may command when they are 20-plus — it is thought that they could be available for around £20 million this summer.

There is a lot of logic in this process. Certainly, these types of players will be cheaper than signing more established, experienced alternatives. But there is also a financial risk that should be recognised in committing to the young players of tomorrow.

One of the key reasons why Arsenal are struggling to compete financially is that they have not been in the Champions League the past two seasons, missing out on the added revenue that Europe’s elite competition provides — the Champions League could bring in as much as £50 million per year.

By signing more young players, are they actually helping their quest in reclaiming Champions League status next season? Take Saliba and Szoboszlai as examples. Centre-back and central midfield need instant improvements next season to finish in the top four. Would either actually start next season? Yes, they might be terrific long-term options that set the club up well for the future, but do they help in the here and now?

A commitment to youth is a smart way to build a squad with limited resources. But the club must also face the fact that it could leave them further behind the Champions League for several more years. Can they deal with that financial hit? It is a question they must answer and be happy with.