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‘Really good’… Arsenal told they have let go of a brilliant 19-year-old prospect recently
Arsenal academy product Matt Smith has told his former club they have let go of a very promising youngster recently.
The Hale End Academy has produced some excellent prospects in recent seasons, with the most notable graduate Bukayo Saka currently starring for the first team.
Despite Emile Smith Rowe’s lack of starts over the past 18 months, the midfielder has also proven to be a capable Premier League player.
Ethan Nwaneri looks set to be the next star to emerge from Arsenal’s academy set-up, while Amario Cozier-Duberry has also impressed for the Under-21s.
But Matt Smith, who left Arsenal to join Wigan Athletic last summer, believes his former club have allowed a promising youngster, Lino Sousa, to leave recently.
Arsenal told they have let go of a promising youngsters in Sousa
Speaking to , Smith explained why it’s difficult to break into the first-team at Arsenal right now.
“They probably don’t,” says Smith. “I played with guys like Lino Sousa (who moved to Aston Villa in February and is now on loan at Plymouth Argyle) and Reuell Walters last year.
“They’re really good players but as a young player, it is a sink-or-swim environment. The way Arsenal are going, you’ve got to be better than the guy in your position, no matter how old they are.
“Bukayo always had the inner belief that he was better than the guy ahead of him.”
Sousa made the switch to Aston Villa earlier this month and is currently on loan at Plymouth Argyle.
The left-back has already racked up five appearances in the Championship after his switch from Villa Park.
He left Arsenal without making his debut for the club and his move seems to be benefitting him as he racks up valuable first-team experience at Plymouth.
With Arsenal currently fighting for major honours under Mikel Arteta, it’s easy to understand why youngsters aren’t getting regular opportunities.
The Gunners are no longer in the Europa League and look set to continue in the Champions League once again next season after returning this term.
It means Arteta has fewer opportunities to hand his younger players opportunities and that will naturally lead to prospects seeking moves away from the club.