Arsenal news: ‘World-class’ youngsters tipped to dazzle after Mikel Arteta ‘lays down marker’ – pundit
Mikel Arteta has opened a “pathway” for youngsters at Arsenal following the club’s January exodus, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 38-year-old Spaniard has “laid down a marker” at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal let no fewer than six first-teamers depart during the January window, including former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, long-serving defender Calum Chambers, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
The Gunners failed to add anyone to their squad during the winter window despite links to strikers Dusan Vlahovic and Alexander Isak.
Whelan insisted Arsenal will be comfortable and confident in their squad’s ability to succeed this term.
He also suggested the mass exits could present a youngster to “make a name for himself” in the first team.
“You only allow that many players to leave if you feel that you have enough to succeed,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Whether that’s senior members of the squad or younger players, who knows? I think that’s the reason for getting these players out.
“At the end of the day, Arteta and his team have got some deadwood off the wage bill, they’ve given the club a better structure. They can get through this season with the squad they have.
“They’ve got a world-class youth set-up. We’ve seen some of the players come through and burst onto the scene in recent years.
“Arteta is putting his stamp on this side. He’s laying down a marker and he’s standing strongly by his stance. I love this about Arteta.
“There’s a real pathway between now and the end of the season for these young players to come through and really make a name for themselves.”
Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are examples of Arsenal academy graduates who have established themselves under Arteta in recent years.
The Gunners sit just two points adrift of fourth-place Man United with a game in hand.
In other news, pundit predicts Arteta will be ‘chuffed to bits’ after £25m transfer update from Sky.