Arsenal make smart new transfer recruitment appointment

Arsenal Making Proactive Step With Clear Long-Term Vision

Employing a scout specifically for UK based players at a time when Brexit quotas are growing increasingly important is a proactive step.

The amount that will be spent on homegrown players is only going to increase further than what it already has, with Premier League sides forced to fork out overpriced sums to suit the division’s quota rules. This is a step ahead to try and aid that transition.

At a point where Arsenal are close to selling a large contingent of their Hale End stars, meeting those demands becomes of even greater importance.

It follows on from what Per Mertesacker has been doing with the youth squads over the past 18 months. Making wholesale changes with the Under-18’s and Under-19’s in order to get the talent in early so that whether they’re from England or not, they can get the seasons under their belts that can class them as homegrown.

Beyond that, this also signals a switch towards targeting talent that is comfortable with English football. It’s evident with this summer transfer window in the players that are being linked, as well as the reports, that Arteta wants Premier League proven options.

While Tavares and Lokonga don’t fit that bill, the rest of the work being done this window is likely to reflect that. Aaron Ramsdale isn’t an ideal transfer target but he fits the profile of player the club are after and links to James Maddison aren’t coming to light for no reason.

Not a great deal is known about Ellis and all of the positive aspects of this move are based solely on the concept, not the execution. However, as for the direction and the vision it’s a clever step from the club to get ahead of the curb.

Plenty of the changes taking place have been hugely questionable but those starting from the ground up cast a positive light. There does appear to be a plan in place. Furthermore, it also doesn’t cover Edu’s method of close contact with agents in a particularly clear light. So, even better.