The last group of academy players, including Bukayo Saka, Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe, and Joe Willock, showcased a range of talents and potential. However, among them, only Saka has cemented a place as a regular starter in the Arsenal first team. Joe Willock made the move away from the club and has since established himself at Newcastle.

The remaining trio of Nelson, Nketiah, and Smith Rowe struggled to secure regular minutes under Arteta. Smith Rowe, in particular, had established himself in the starting lineup in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 season, until an unfortunate injury sidelined him. Despite being back and fully fit for some time now, he has found it challenging to regain his spot in the team.

Nelson, Nketiah, and Smith Rowe could benefit from following Willock’s example of leaving Arsenal to find more playing time elsewhere. Making a move could offer them the chance to gain regular opportunities to grow and demonstrate their abilities.

There is a perception that Arteta doesn’t give enough minutes to youth players, leading to some promising prospects leaving the club, as they feel there’s no clear pathway to the first team. The departures of Reuell Walters, Cozier-Duberry, and the prolific youth goalscoring machine Chido Obi-Martin highlight this concern. However, the potential exits of players like Smith Rowe, Nelson, and Nketiah will not only create necessary space in the squad but also pave the way for a new wave of talent from the academy, including promising youngsters like Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly.

Additionally, these moves will provide Arsenal with the opportunity to strengthen the squad with two quality senior players in midfield and attack. These fresh faces are eager to make their mark and could bring new energy to the team, showing that Arsenal remains committed to developing and integrating young talent into the senior squad.