Omari Hutchinson is making huge strides at Arsenal at youth level and he could soon join Bukayo Saka in the first team.
The Gunners’ Hale End academy is arguably the finest in England and is among the best in the world. We’ve always produced good players, but the ones that have come through over the last two or three years have been on another level.
Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are the first ones that come to mind and both players are on their way to become superstars. Young Hutchinson could be next in line and he could become even better.
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Omari Hutchinson is more exciting than Bukayo Saka
FourFourTwo released their list of 50 most exciting young players in world football this week and 18-year-old Omari Hutchinson is ranked 36th.
The outlet writes: “Omari Hutchinson is more exciting than Bukayo Saka was in the under-23s at Arsenal.
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“The teenager has a similarly wicked left foot and an ability to cut in from the left – but he’s flashier, enjoys a mazy run and plays like he’s on his lunchtime at school.
“With Nicolas Pepe’s future uncertain, Hutchinson might be ready to make the step up to become a squad player next season. Mikel Arteta is keen on giving opportunities to kids and with Hutchinson bullying youth defenders, perhaps he’ll get his chance very soon.”
Nicolas Pepe replacement?
Arsenal spent a club-record fee on Nicolas Pepe back in 2019 but the Ivorian just hasn’t lived up to his mammoth price tag. He has barely played for us this season and it won’t be a surprise to see him leave in the summer.
Saka is Arteta’s undisputed first-choice on the right-wing and that will not change. If Pepe leaves in the summer, Arsenal will have to find a new wide player, but with two strikers, at least one midfielder and a right-back already on the transfer wish list, will we have the resources to replace the Ivorian?
That could open the door for Omari Hutchinson, who even though is only 18, has done been outstanding for our under-23s. He has scored seven goals and provided six assists so far this season and he’s proving to be too good for that level now.
Hutchinson will stay with the youth side until the end of the season but if he continues playing like he is, it’s only a matter of time before he’s in the first team and he could well replace Pepe when his time comes.
