Emery losing one but still has plenty of Arsenal youth prospects to call upon..

Afternoon all. 

It is fair to say that new Arsenal boss Unai Emery really has his work cut out to bring Arsenal back to the glory days in the wake of Arsene Wenger’s departure. Unlike most new managers, Emery is charged with the task of overhaul almost every aspect of the club, in order to put his own mark on the place.  Something which Emery has spoken about as the key to his success at the club, will be having faith in youth, and Arsenal are spoiled with riches in that regard. Let’s see then, which prospects may find themselves with a chance to shine under the new man at the helm.

 Ainsley Maitland-Niles

This busy midfielder/defender is just what Arsenal have been crying out for since Vieira left the club, someone to break up play in midfield and use his guile and strength to dictate the run of play. Maitland-Niles has already seen football at a senior level, although in his 12 appearances under Wenger, he was deployed in defence rather than his favoured midfield. If Emery can get the young man into the position which we all know he can play, they could be looking stronger in central midfield, once he returns from injury. 

Joseph Willock

A stylish midfielder with a good passing range as he’s described on the official website, He’ll turn 19 years old in just a few days and with the injury to Maitland-Niles, he’ll no doubt be looking to push for a place in midfield. Perhaps not in the League just yet but draw dependent, the domestic cups will possibly give him a chance to show Unai Emery what he can do.

 Eddie Nketiah

With Aubameyang, Welbeck and Lacazette, it is fair to say that Arsenal are a little short of pure goalscorers, and should an injury occur, they could be in trouble. This is precisely why fans have been calling on Arsenal to give young Eddie Nketiah the chance that he deserves at the top level. Last season alone the young Englishman netted 12 times in 10 appearances in Premier League 2, and has the goalscoring instincts that could make him a superstar at the Emirates. Like Willock, the domestic cups are likely to give him plenty of playing time but as the season goes on, his chances in the first team might just come on a regular basis even if it is from the bench.

Riess Nelson

We’ve been lucky to see a bit of this young man already. I think it’s fair to say that Arsenal appear to lack speed and width right now. Welbeck has both and can play on either wing but that still leaves us short. Nelson, although young in years, looks a real player who’ll only improve. His contract situation is yet to be resolved as top European clubs are linked to him and losing him would be a huge blow, Emery could certainly make use of him on the right as he’s quick, likes to get at defenders and he’s not afraid to take a shot. Again, domestic cups offer his best chances, but don’t be surprised if he doesn’t get a game long before then.

 Matteo Guendouzi 

Guendouzi was brought in by Emery over the summer, for an undisclosed fee from Lorient and it was perceived that the Frenchman would be a future prospect. Any future plans have been put on hold however after the young midfielder had a brilliant pre-season, earning him a senior start again Man City in the opening day match and overall, he had a very good game. The young midfielder does a bit of everything in the centre of the park, and you can expect to see his name on the team sheet plenty of times this year.

One who might not be with Arsenal for much longer is Stephy Mavididi who according to reports is on Juventus radar. He’s flown to Italy to undergo a medical apparently and if all goes well, he’ll be running out for their ‘B’ team. 

If Emery invests in the youth as listed above, the transformation might happen quicker than many think.