Arsenal’s latest transfer pursuit is set to have a huge impact on the squad, with Andrea Berta looking to make some big changes in the forward ranks in particular.
It comes after a season of relative struggles in front of goal for the Gunners, who failed to land important and decisive blows in many matches.
That was reflected in Arsenal’s record number of draws, as well as the first season in over 100 years that a player failed to score ten goals or more in the squad.
Andrea Berta has looked to fix that in the market with a centre-forward and a winger, but there are other pursuits ongoing.
Arsenal are looking at another position, which could well spell bad news for a Hale End academy duo of Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri.
Eberechi Eze’s move to Arsenal is set to impact academy duo Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman
Arsenal have made contact with Eberechi Eze over a potential move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, which could bolster their attacking options.
The Crystal Palace forward has entered the peak of his career, showcasing some immense skill in his step up to the Premier League.
Now a star for both club and country, Eberechi Eze continues to be on the radar of several clubs heading into the summer.
While there was an expectation that the versatile forward would be the option to play out wide, that may not be the plan for Andrea Berta.
That’s because, according to David Ornstein, the move for Eze is separate from any potential deal to sign a winger or a striker this summer.
That means Eze could be viewed as the option to play as a central playmaker, competing for a position with Martin Odegaard.
That, however, means less guaranteed game time for the Arsenal academy duo of Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman.
Both youngsters have been tipped as options for the number ten position for the future, with plenty of potential to reach the very top.
Nwaneri had a breakout campaign last time around, featuring on the right flank, though he is often thought of as more of a midfielder.
Dowman is eligible for his debut this coming season, having played as a playmaker in the youth ranks, and Mikel Arteta has hinted at using him there in the near future.
It remains to be seen how much game time they get, though, given the move for Eze is one of several now lined up for the forward roles.
Arsenal should be concerned by academy pathway after spending spree
It’s fair to say that Arsenal have one of the best academies in the Premier League, and perhaps Europe as a whole.
The Gunners have been consistently producing talent for the senior team and for those elsewhere, as they progress through the ranks.
However, some of that only comes from the potential pathway to play for the club one day, with the promise of reaching the top offering many players a driving force to push on and progress.
Opportunities have opened up for the likes of Bukayo Saka, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri to make their mark, but those opportunities may now be dwindling for future prospects.
The additions of several new stars across the squad may only further halt the progress of the academy, with emphasis needed on the pathway to the top.
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