Although Arsenal’s meeting with Southampton on Saturday was now akin to the Aaron Ramsdale derby, it used to be an affair centred around Theo Walcott.
Arsenal signed Walcott back in 2006, Arsene Wenger took a calculated risk on a 16-year-old who looked to have all the potential in the world.
Perhaps Walcott didn’t quite achieve everything he may have hoped during his time in N5, but he still enjoyed a ton of success.
397 appearances, 108 goals and three FA Cups, Walcott will always be hailed as a club icon in north London, a player with a strong connection to the Arsenal faithful.
That being said, in the ‘Ramsdale derby’ on Saturday, which Arsenal eventually won 3-1, there was a new big Southampton talent on display, Tyler Dibling.
Tyler Dibling is the next Theo Walcott and Arsenal need to sign him
18-year-old Dibling has only just burst into the first team scene at Southampton, making 14 appearances in total for Russell Martin’s side.
However, Dibling has been thriving in Saints’ academy for some time now, an attacking talent the club could no longer ignore.
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Dibling started on the right-wing for Southampton on Saturday and lit up the Emirates Stadium, proving to be one of the most exciting talents on the pitch.
The youngster had beaten David Raya in the second half only to be denied by post, a scary moment for Mikel Arteta and his side.
And with all respect to the away side and their project, it doesn’t appear as if Dibling will be a Southampton player for too much longer.
The left-footed right-winger has everything in his game: pace, power, technique and an eye for goal – everything you’d want in a winger.
And Arsenal should arguably be attempting to repeat their Walcott trick, signing Dibling as the club’s new back up for Bukayo Saka, perhaps coming in once Raheem Sterling’s loan expires.
Dibling stars in Arsenal’s win over Southampton
Perhaps Sterling didn’t quite deliver as he may have hoped against Southampton at the Emirates in the 3-1 win, replaced just after the hour mark.
But Sterling has definitely done an excellent job in pushing Gabriel Martinelli on, helping to recapture his best form.
It remains to be seen if Arsenal would be willing to commit the funds to make Sterling’s move permanent next summer, something that will be assessed over the season.
But perhaps those funds would be better spent making a play for Dibling, an outstanding young English talent.
That being said, Arsenal fans had a surprise complaint about Declan Rice after Saturday’s win.
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