‘Arsenal will save millions on signings after huge development’
Arsenal are set to save millions on incoming transfers thanks to the development of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri through the academy.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that they will be able to use the money saved to invest in other areas of the squad.
Having academy graduates step up into the first team has been labelled a “massive boost” for Arsenal and is set to be a “huge benefit” long-term.
At a time when many have questioned their transfer strategy given the lack of incoming signings in the January window, Brown has insisted the academy players have been crucial.
Now, rather than having the pressure to add three or four new players to bolster Mikel Arteta’s squad, they can focus their efforts and funds on one or two.
Arsenal handed ‘massive boost’ by Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri
Both Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri were on the scoresheet during Arsenal’s 5-1 win against Man City, and have established themselves as important players in Arteta’s plans.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that clubs should be building their squads around the young academy talents coming through.
“It’s going to be a huge benefit to Arsenal going forward,” he told Football Insider.
“If you’re looking to improve your squad and you get a couple of academy players coming through who prove they can do it, it’s a massive, massive boost.
“Not only does it strengthen your squad, but you save millions of pounds in transfer fees.
“Then you can use the money you’ve saved by having them come into the team, to invest elsewhere.
“Where you might have previously needed three or four players, now you only need one or two.
“Of course, every team needs tried and tested players and they’re just as important, but having homegrown talents can be so valuable.
“We’ve seen it happen at Man United too, when Kobbie Mainoo came into the team.
“They were desperate for a midfield player, then he came in, took the game by the scruff of the neck, and now he’s playing for England.
“So these clubs should be building around these sorts of players. It’s so important to trust in the young players at the club and believe in what they can do.“
Ollie Watkins move still on after Aston Villa reject January bid
Despite their recent success bringing the younger players into the first-team via the academy, Arsenal are still preparing to splash the cash in the summer transfer window.
Brown told Football Insider on 4 February that the Gunners plan to revisit their interest in Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins after their late-January bid was rejected.
A new striker has been at the top of Arteta’s list of priorities since before the mid-season window, but they were unable to reach an agreement that worked for the club.
Instead, they are expected to step up their efforts at the end of the season to bring much-needed reinforcements and depth into their squad.
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