Arsene Wenger says Mikel Arteta has done something at Arsenal that has made him ‘very happy’

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Arsenal have placed a great emphasis on nurturing their own talent throughout their history.

Even before the state-of-the-art Hale End academy complex, Arsenal produced home grown talent such as Tony Adams and Ashley Cole and it brought great success to the club.

This season has seen the emergence of young duo Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly and their development has meant they are among Arsenal players called up for international duty.

Arsene Wenger played a huge part in building the infrastructure around the Gunners, he was the driving force behind the move to the Emirates Stadium and the improvement in youth facilities.

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Arsene Wenger says Mikel Arteta has made him ‘very happy’

Speaking at the latest summit of the European Club Association, former Gunners boss Wenger has heaped praise on the work that Mikel Arteta has continued with the young players at the club.

Wenger stated: “I find that’s part of the DNA of the club [Arsenal] you know, I’m happy that these values continue and what I think the academy is doing a fantastic job.”

The Arsenal legend then described how the progress of the likes of Lewis-Skelly has pleased him and gave very high praise for another academy graduate in Bukayo Saka.

Wenger explained: “I don’t speak about Saka because he’s a world class player already but Lewis-Skelly is now coming out and already in the English national team.

“So I love that and you know, I’m very happy that this integration of top level players at a young age is happening at Arsenal.”

Arteta hopeful Saka will return to Arsenal action in April

Speaking at his pre match press conference before Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Chelsea, Arteta gave an update on the fitness of Saka with the winger having been absent since December with a hamstring injury.

Arteta stated: “He is going to be here [at the Arsenal training ground], hopefully more with ball at his feet than he has had. That will mean he is passing the ball and shooting and running and everything. He has done quite a lot already on the pitch working on his own.”

The 23-year-old winger has been constantly spotted at home games supporting his team mates and his return will provide a massive boost for the Gunners ahead of their Champions League tie with Real Madrid.

Saka started the campaign in fine form, registering 9 goals and 13 assists in his 24 appearances across all competitions before he was stopped in his tracks with the injury at Crystal Palace.