Arsenal scouts were in attendance at Sunderland’s dramatic win over Middlesbrough in the Championship to watch a trio of Jobe Bellingham, Chris Rigg and Anthony Patterson, Arsenal Insider sources understand.
It comes after a quiet January transfer window for the Gunners, where no additions were made to the senior squad.
It leaves Mikel Arteta in a tricky spot, particularly for depth in the forward areas, though the market was a tough one to operate in.
With that now behind them, Arsenal are looking ahead to the summer, where some of their top targets are more likely to be available.
While the squad need some elite players to get them over the line, there is also a focus on the future and the options that could help get the side moving into the future.
Scouts from the Emirates Stadium have been busy on their mission to keep tabs on the brightest up-and-coming talents, with some new names on their radar.
Arsenal scout Jobe Bellingham, Chris Rigg and Anthony Patterson
With Arsenal still looking at talent for the upcoming transfer windows, Graeme Bailey, TBR Football’s transfer expert, informed Arsenal Insider of a recent scouting trip.
Scouts from the club were in attendance for Sunderland’s dramatic win over Middlesbrough in the Championship on Monday night.
The Black Cats fought back from one goal down to win the game 3-2, with an 87th-minute winner in the clash.
Among those starring was Jobe Bellingham, brother of Jude Bellingham, who is really making a name for himself in the north-east.
Plenty of teams have shown interest, with Arsenal being the latest team, as Bailey revealed: “Jobe has progressed massively this season and is generating his own interest and Arsenal are paying attention.”
The 19-year-old has four goals and three assists to his name in the Championship so far this season.
He features in a young Sunderland side pushing for promotion back to the Premier League, playing alongside another wonderkid in Chris Rigg.
The 17-year-old winger is catching the eye of Arsenal, with Bailey adding: “The main one is Chris Rigg – Arsenal are fully aware of him, but so are most of Europe – he is as big a talent that we have seen in England since Jude Bellingham and will have his pick of clubs.”
Arsenal will want to be among those looking to sign the youngster if the opportunity arises in the months ahead.
The third name seemingly on the radar at Arsenal is goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, who could be a backup to David Raya for the future.
The 24-year-old has been first-choice for Sunderland this season but is seemingly being watched by the Gunners.
Bailey continued: “There is also the likes of Anthony Paterson – the young goalkeeper that Arsenal have done work on before and they see him as a potential option to come in a back-up to David Raya.”
It remains to be seen whether that interest will be firmed up moving into the summer transfer window.
Arsenal fans frustrated with Josh Kroenke at lack of transfers
With the January transfer window come and gone, Arsenal fans have been left feeling frustrated by the lack of moves the side have made.
It puts further pressure on Josh Kroenke and the hierarchy to deliver in the summer, with some clear issues that need addressing.
Following the close of the transfer window, fans took to social media, with one saying: “Well done Stan and Josh Kroenke, yet another winter window not getting reinforcements when needed.”
“Hilarious how funny it is that Josh Kroenke flew over and Arteta and the players begged for signings in their interviews just for us to not do a single thing,” another added. “Meanwhile City spend around £180,000,000 after 1 bad season while we refuse to address a long term issue in the team.”
“Stan & Josh Kroenke letting Arteta down big time,” more fans came in to say.
It means the summer could see some big moves, alongside some with a view to the future, such as the Sunderland trio mentioned.
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