It wouldn’t be a summer at the Emirates without wondering whether Arsene Wenger will dust off the chequebook and bring in some new names.

Recent years have shown though that Arsene would rather visit youth clubs around the globe than try his hand at the global transfer market but it’s a policy which has paid dividends in the past. Now in a summer which could be crucial for the Frenchman’s future, it appears the youth cycle will continue with the addition of a few new faces.

But while the press speculate about the arrival of the likes of Benzema,Cahill and Parker, there are some younger faces who want to make their presence felt next term. Buoyed by the rapid development of Jack Wilshere this season, young guns such as Ryo Miyaichi, Henri Lansbury, Kieran Gibbs,Wojciech Szczesny and Craig Eastmond are sure to come back ready for action next term.

 

Wenger has already given indications that he may be ready to move Miyaichi into the first team next season. The 18-year-old signed for Arsenal in January but was loaned to Dutch side Feyenoord where the winger has made a big impression in the top-flight there. Le Boss hopes to have Miyaichi available in pre-season – in fact the only thing holding Arsenal back would be work permit issues, as Arsenal need to apply once again for the vital piece of paper to ensure a youngster can ply his trade in the UK.

Looking at some of the games he has played, the Japanese youngster appears to have pace to burn and could fit in well with Wenger's desire for pacey wingers on either flank.

Boosted by promotion with Norwich, Henri Lansbury has also come home from loan with an eagerness to stamp their credentials and show that the kids are alright. The England Under 21 midfielder made 23 appearances for the Canaries as they secured second place in the npower Championship during his loan spell.

Before leaving the Emirates for East Anglia, Lansbury made just the one appearance for the Gunners this season in the 3-1 Carling Cup win at Spurs and scored the opening goal. He acquitted himself well that evening but may need more time to fully establish a role in the side – expect more starts in the Carling Cup for the exotically named Londoner.

Both are wingers, a position which could need some bodies with the futures of Arshavin, Rosicky and even Samir Nasri the subject of deep speculation.

Another possible departure could be Gael Clichy which could open the door for Kieran Gibbs to stake his claim. The former winger has been converted to a full-back by Wenger and has not let many down with his 17 starts and three substitute appearances this season. And of course Arsene has form in this position as it was he who gave Cashley Cole his break in the first team – could Gibbs emulate Cole in that regard?

The only thing holding Gibbs back is an injury record which has held back his development this season, but he seems to be learning his new role quickly and could be an bold option as first choice left-back next season should Wenger choose not to strengthen that area.

Szczesny has perhaps the most interesting pre-season ahead of any of the five mentioned in this piece. He could be handed the number one jersey by Wenger or he could face a job-share with an older more experienced keeper as Wenger seeks to mould his development.

The young Pole has not let anyone down in his 24 appearances this season and has displayed an impressive confidence in his own ability which Arsenal haven't had in their goalkeeper since Jens Lehmann left. His shot stopping is impressive, I would like to see more aggression from him at corners and set pieces because of his height and presence but the future does like bright for 'Woj'

Finally, Craig Eastmond will hope to push his claims next season after three appearances last term. The midfielder has not looked out of place among his more illustrious colleagues and I would not bet against him making a similar surge like fellow young pup Wilshere, especially after an impressive loan period at Millwall towards the end of the campaign.

So while players will be leaving, you can be sure their replacements might not cost money and could be there already as Arsene's youth cycle continues on and on.



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Comments  

-1 #4 Bungle 2011-06-22 10:45
I hope Lansbury gets a bit more of a go this season, he has been a good performer for Norwich and the U21s. To think all the time we have wasted on Denilson which could have been used blooding the likes of Lanbo!
-1 #3 Terry 2011-05-25 13:58
Lansbury is not a winger
+1 #2 RobG 2011-05-25 13:06
Just chose five of the names which have featured this season or in the case of Ryo have had lots of media attention in recent days
+1 #1 Sean 2011-05-25 13:03
Not sure Gibbs is up to standard based upon what I've seen of him this year. Seems to have a horrible lack of awareness.

Eastmond surely has no future at the club.