Arsenal Youngsters Give Me Hope

The transfer window is not the friend of any Arsenal faithful out there. We are constantly peppered with fake news, made up stories and blown out of proportion gossip to fit whatever godforsaken narrative that earns clicks. This led me to do some soul searching and instead of dwell on what we don't have, I took a positive spin and decided to be the glass half full guy that I rightly am and focus on the few things we have going for us in the squad.

The future they say is bright. this statement has been the mantra for most Arsenal fans for the past decade, though things to be bleak at the moment, I think it might not be all that bad and we're still not yet in panic mode because the youngsters on offer give us something to hope for.

Reis Nelson

The Academy graduate spent last season on loan at Hoffenheim, where he made a very good impression on and off the field. He contributed with 8 goals from the wing in the German top flight and earned plaudits from around the world. He has age, pace, and trickery as part of his arsenal. With the right guidance and management, he will establish himself as a mainstay in the squad. I hope he will be given game time and not turn out to be another Serge Gnabry. I'm still very sore about that.

Emile-Smith Rowe

Another academy graduate and fan favorite to watch out for is the 18-year-old midfield sensation that gave us a lot of joy during the early stages of the Europa League and Carabao cup of last season. He contributed 3 goals in 6 games and featured in a few match day squads across the first half of the season and then spent the other half of the season on loan at Red Bull Salzburg, where he gained valuable first team experience. It will be interesting to watch his development and see where he goes but it is quite evident that he has loads of potential.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Ainsley is one of my favorite players in the Arsenal squad and made a very fine audition last season. His versatility may be a gift and a curse for him in general but what cannot be doubted is his input and potential. He largely filled in for the injured Hector Bellerin, but not before ousting the initial back up option(Litchsteiner). His performance last season was rather impressive, scoring one goal from his 16 appearances in the league and played in the right wing-back position, as well as a right-winger at times. This coming season will be big for him and with Hector not expected to start the season, he will be a shoo-in to feature in the early stages and then be a rotation option for different areas of the field, thanks to his versatility. It has been a while since we had a utility man like this.

Rob Holding, Chambers and Mavrapanos

Further back the field and all representing defensive options, we have the trio mentioned above. Koscielny's Unexplained outburst has led to uncertainty at the back and the confusing deal to sign the 18-year-old Saliba has the defense in the spotlight but maybe it isn't all doom and gloom. In this trio, we have at least two established and one prospect all vying to play in the team. Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis are already options, though Mustafi had a bad season, he still has loads of potential. Coupled with these three youngsters and we have lots of options at the back for the coming season.

Alex Iwobi

Last and not the list and probably one that has spent so much time in the first team, we might forget that he's still a young man, we have the dynamic Alex Iwobi. The gunners midfielder is currently lighting up the stage at Africa's premier football tournament and has been a mainstay in the Super Eagle's squad. He has contributed three assists and one goal on the way to the semi-final through the midfield, playing as the typical number 10. He's shown flashes of brilliance and will no doubt play a part in Emery's squad next season. He recently talked about being played out of position at Arsenal, indicating that he prefers being behind the striker but continued that he would, however, play wherever the manager instructs him to play. I feel this season will be big for him and he will have a big impact in the squad.

We're not where we want to be and it is very easy to panic in times like these but try to look on the bright sid. We have decent players in the team that need to inject thrust into their performance. I say let the youngsters play and develop from within if we're not going to throw money at the more illustrious/established options out there.