Arsene Wenger once backed three Arsenal stars to make it right to the top, with optimism over their future at the club, but only one may remain after the transfer window.
The Gunners have undergone quite the transformation since the former Arsenal manager’s exit, but it hasn’t always been smooth.
A tough stint under Unai Emery was followed by a difficult start to life for Mikel Arteta, where the task was to turn a team floundering in mid-table back into a side that could compete.
Arsenal have managed that, and at the core of it has been a revolution set out from the Hale End academy and a mixture of young players coming into the side.
Three stars were tipped for the top by Arsene Wenger, who was correct in his prediction.
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Arsene Wenger tipped Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe for big things at Arsenal
Part of the big change that has come at Arsenal is the reduction in the squad’s average age, which has driven the team forward.
A core of young players have transformed the side, while an exit for those who are more experienced but weren’t living up to their wage packet was secured.
Wenger backed the trio to impress back in 2021, when he said: “They [Smith Rowe and Saka] already were there when I was there a few years ago.
“We always had a good youth system, with good young players. It’s good to see that they [Saka, Martinelli and Smith Rowe] come out.
“We just spoke about injuries and touch wood that these players [don’t get long-term injuries]. It’s a sensitive part between 20 and 22, once they get game after game, to see if their body can adapt and cope with it.
“Let’s hope, they look to me to have top quality and as well a good mentality, so I am quite optimistic for them.”
All three have certainly had their impact on the side as predicted by Wenger, but only one may well remain after the summer.
Bukayo Saka could be the only one left of the iconic Arsenal trio
While the Arsenal rebuild was built on the likes of Saka, Martinelli and Smith Rowe, there may only be one of those stars remaining.
Smith Rowe left in 2024 to join Fulham, bringing an end to the Hale End Academy star’s time at the club.
While two remain, Gabriel Martinelli has been linked with an exit this summer, as he faces competition for places in the team.
That could leave Bukayo Saka, who has two years left on his deal, meaning there is pressure to get him tied down to a new contract.
It remains to be seen whether any of that core of players will remain at Arsenal in the near future, with the project continuing to move forward.
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