It appears that, contrary to the popular press, Arsenal had no intention of dabbling in the remaining days of the transfer window because Unai Emery intends to use his young players in his first premier league campaign.
It’s a risky strategy but as Ivan Gazidis pointed out after Arsene Wenger’s departure, the new manager would be expected to support the emerging stars of Arsenal’s academy.
The Spaniard has already shown at PSG that he can develop players potential and it would appear he now has no choice but to prove it.
Emery is credited with the emergence of Kylian Mbappe and although that might appear overly generous, he did make a significant contribution by placing his trust in the French youngster.
The real skill is to know where to use them and when. If Wenger made mistakes in his reign, it was his defiance to use players in positions that never really suited their talents. Emery will also have to pick and choose who to use them against.
Surely he will keep their introductions to a minimal against the likes of City, United, Spurs, Liverpool and Chelsea. The new manager will also be aware that West Ham and potentially Everton could pose substantial opposition to securing a champions league slot.
Although neighbours Spurs haven’t made a single addition, they have held on to the cream of their talent and are still a level above Arsenal on the evidence of last season.
Pellegrini’s appointment at West Ham and the acquisition of Jack Wilshere and Lucas Perez will not go down well with the Arsenal faithful if they were to finish above the north London club in the league.
Emery must be a man with the broadest of shoulders. Not only does he have to contend with the expectation of fans but he also has to deal with Gazidis and Kroenke who is negotiating himself into an unassailable position of a sole owner.
Yet, the Spaniard seems to be relishing the task against frightening odds. It has the potential to be either a master stroke or an unmitigated disaster.
