Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has insisted that he is willing to give young players opportunities this season, and urged the club’s youngsters to be ready and take their chance when called upon.
The Gunners have seen their chances of a top four finish hampered over the last few days due to injuries picked up by Kieran Tierney and Thomas Partey. The club also allowed a number of players to leave in the January transfer window including former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Calum Chambers and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Due to the lack of depth within the first team squad the club may be forced to call upon their talented youngsters. Arsenal have already given the likes of Charlie Patino debuts this season and Arteta claimed more Hale End graduates could be given their chance in the run-in.
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"It is part of the project and it is part of our DNA," Arteta told reporters at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with Brighton. "Our academy players have to have opportunities in this club and we want to give them opportunities.
"But we have to give them when they are ready. We will decide, depending on the game, whether or not they are ready to take that next step. When I see them closer I will tell you if they are ready!"
Arsenal have placed an emphasis on youth during Arteta's tenure, with the club not signing a player over the age of 24 in the summer transfer window. Whilst the likes of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odeegard are mainstays of the starting XI despite being in their early 20’s.
The Gunners will need to utilise their squad as they attempt to bring Champions League football back to the Emirates for the first time since 2017. Arteta’s side will overtake fourth placed Tottenham with a win or a draw against Brighton on Saturday, with Anotnio Conte’s side not kicking off at Aston Villa until 5:30pm.
