Transfer Centre

Young guns: Arsenal 'make big academy decision' which could impact transfer plans

By Carter White | 18 June 2024

Arsenal are reportedly preparing to prioritise bringing academy stars into the first-team squad instead of major incomings during the summer transfer window.

Arsenal have reportedly decided to prioritise the acceleration of academy graduates into the first team over major signings this summer.

After a tricky start in charge of the Gunners for Mikel Arteta, the former midfielder has managed to turn his side into one who are regularly challenging for the Premier League title.

Unfortunately, the last two seasons of challenging have led to back-to-back second-placed finishes, both times ending up behind Manchester City.

Arsenal managed to take the 2023-24 title race to the final day, and despite beating Everton 2-1 at the Emirates, a victory for the Citizens versus West Ham United resulted in the Premier League trophy being lifted on the blue side of Manchester.

For the first time this decade, the Gunners competed in the Champions League in 2023-24, losing at the quarter-final stage to Harry Kane's Bayern Munich.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured on May 19, 2024 © Reuters

Arsenal to prioritise academy stars over signings?

According to Football Insider, Arsenal have made an academy decision during the off-season which could have a major impact on their dealings in the transfer market.

The report claims that the Gunners are looking to promote a number of top prospects from their youth ranks, fast-tracking players into the first team for the new season.

Arteta is said to be excited about a number of talents in the Hale End academy, with around three or four supposedly ready for the step up to the senior side.

Leading the group of promising youngsters is 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who has already made his Premier League debut for Arsenal and impressed in Premier League 2 this season, scoring 10 times.

It is understood that Arteta wants to flesh out his squad with academy graduates to ease the workload on a number of key first-team stars over the course of 2024-25.

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka walks off the pitch after being substituted due to injury on September 30, 2023 © Reuters

Playing through pain and potential goodbyes

Featuring in a mammoth total of 47 matches for Arsenal this season, Bukayo Saka is an example of a player who has suffered this season due to his side's lack of depth on the right flank.

The England international has often been forced to play through the pain of injury this term, something that will hinder his progression in the long term.

Although the Gunners' focus is set to be on stars emerging from the academy, they are also not afraid to wave goodbye to some Hale End boys this summer.

Looking to raise funds for incomings, it is believed that Arsenal are willing to listen to suitable offers for both Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson.