Opinion: This is not the season for Arsenal to blood more youngsters

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·27 September 2025

Opinion: This is not the season for Arsenal to blood more youngsters

Arsenal has long been recognised as a club that values the development of academy graduates, with several notable players emerging from Hale End to establish themselves in the first team. Under Mikel Arteta, that tradition has continued, with the manager showing trust in youth and giving opportunities to talented teenagers eager to prove their worth at the senior level. His approach has helped build his reputation as one of the leading managers in the game when it comes to nurturing young footballers.

However, this season presents a different challenge. Following an ambitious summer transfer window, Arsenal invested heavily in experienced and proven players brought in to help secure major honours. The intention is clear: to turn promise into silverware and to mount a genuine challenge for the Premier League title.

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Balancing Youth with Immediate Demands

The addition of established stars has inevitably raised expectations at the Emirates. With the pressure to win trophies growing, there is less scope for Arteta to rely on younger players who are still in the developmental stages of their careers. As exciting as the likes of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri are, this may not be the campaign where they receive significant minutes in competitive fixtures.

Instead, the focus will be on players capable of delivering results immediately. The stakes are high, and Arsenal cannot afford to gamble on inexperience in matches where every point and performance could prove decisive in the title race. For the academy prospects, opportunities may be limited to cup competitions or late cameos, rather than regular Premier League starts.

Max Dowman (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

The Stakes for Mikel Arteta

The reliance on established professionals underscores the reality of Arsenal’s current ambitions. After seasons of building a competitive squad, the time has come to translate progress into tangible success. Anything less than a strong challenge for the Premier League or other major honours could place significant pressure on Arteta, with some viewing this season as pivotal in determining his long-term future at the club.

While Arsenal’s tradition of developing young players remains central to its identity, this year’s campaign is set to be defined by experience, leadership, and immediate results. The likes of Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri may have to wait for their breakthrough moment, as the club’s focus shifts firmly towards securing trophies now rather than building solely for the future.

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