Arsenal’s propensity to bring young talents through the ranks rather than signing players has brought some ire over the years, especially recently, but with the increased experience in the squad Arsenal can bed in their youngsters a lot more easily.

On that note, Arsenal are working to bring in some of Europe’s brightest talent to their youth system, as well as developing some they already have.

Arnold Paul Garita

This 17-year old striker has attracted the attentions of Arsenal and Newcastle, as well as a number of European clubs. He’s apparently so good that the manager of Chateauroux, the club he currently plays at, is afraid to use him in the first team lest interest grow too strong.

The fact he’s only on a youth contract means he could be available for as little as £100,000. A Wenger-style bargain, for a Wenger-style player.

Aron Johannson

This is a 21-year old Icelandic striker (Wenger clearly likes his strikers at the moment) who grabbed headlines with a 4-minute hat-trick for Danish club AGF.

The player holds dual nationality between the US and Iceland, and despite Arsenal’s supposed interest, his agent was non-committal when asked about it.

“We have heard nothing from Arsenal and at the moment are concentrating on extending a deal with AGF”

Of course that’s classic agent talk, but he then went on to talk about how the Eredivisie and Bundesliga might be better locations for him right now. He ended on a cryptic note, saying “we are in discussions with AGF. That is all I can say right now”.

Who knows? My money’s on ramping up his price.

Chuks is Crewe-sing

Remember Chuks Aneke? He’s the 18 year old who scored in our pre-season run-out against Malaysia.

At the moment he’s on loan at Crewe Alexandra, but after being sent off in his first match he’s not played very often.

This isn’t stopping Crewe trying to extend his deal, which Arsenal are apparently open to. Crewe have a great pedigree for developing young talent, with midfielder Nick Powell moving to Manchester United only this summer. Who knows if Aneke will ever make the first team, but he’s certainly at the right team to help him with that.

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