Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s loan move to AS Roma may have raised a few eyebrows, but it seems that the club have a clear plan in mind.
According to reports from football.london’s James Benge, as cited on social media, the club will reward the likes of Emile Smith-Rowe, Reiss Nelson, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli with increased game time following the Armenian’s departure.
Mkhitaryan had been on the fringes under Unai Emery and if these reactions on social media are anything to go by, large sections of the Arsenal supporters are delighted to see the manager prioritise the club’s younger talent.
Twitter: @CannonInsider @jamesbenge Nelson already failed to take the chance imo,I think martinelli is physically and mental… https://t.co/yXqi6mq1Gv (@nasir0723904)
Twitter: @CannonInsider @jamesbenge Much rather these boys be given a chance over players like Miki who you know what your going to get. (@Kane2602)
Twitter: @CannonInsider @jamesbenge Yeah why did he bring Mkhi on ahead of Nelson and willock yesterday then?
Madness. (@Jack10Gooner)
Twitter: @CannonInsider @jamesbenge Martineli to wear the 7 jersey next season (@kaitocr7)
Twitter: @CannonInsider @jamesbenge They’re better than him anyway (@samttttt1102)
Twitter: @CannonInsider @jamesbenge Shame they weren’t given a chance yesterday (@Invincibleone49)
Twitter: @CannonInsider @jamesbenge Would love to see Nelson have more minutes, he looked brilliant in his loan spell (@_49undefeated_)
Read Arsenal verdict
This is great to see from Arsenal and it’s probably a move that fans have been calling to happen for some time.
The Gunners are fully aware of the sheer number of talented young players that they have coming through the ranks and are now ready to commit to them.
Moving on under-performing senior players is the biggest indicator that any club can give to show that there will be chances for the likes of Smith Rowe and Saka going forward.
Unai Emery has proven that he will give youngsters a chance at Arsenal and with this latest development, the future could look very bright at the Emirates.
