The modern economic climate has seen transfer fees rise at an exponential rate, which is serving to widen the disparity between the top-six and the rest of the Premier League, but there will surely come a point when clubs need to seek out alternative methods of strengthening their squads.
When there is a notable weakness within a Premier League squad fans jump to one conclusion: sign a replacement. That reflex is a product of a modern game which has taught supporters that money is no object.
Short-term goals and expectations serve to dictate transfer policies and knee-jerk boardroom decisions, but the current trend is unsustainable. In the midst of this mind-blowing financial era, a new generation of British footballers has emerged, installing a fresh sense of hope into a rejuvenated nation who have fallen in love with international football once again.
At the forefront of this generation is Arsenal’s exciting wonderkid, Reiss Nelson, whose development has been marginally overshadowed by the pulsating performances of Jadon Sancho in the Bundesliga.
Much has been made of Nelson’s start to life at Hoffenheim, and it’s fair to say that his development suggests Unai Emery will have a talent of genuine promise to nurture upon his eventual return to north London, whether that be before his scheduled date or not.
The naturally right-footed youngster possesses three attributes which suggest he will light up the Emirates Stadium in the years to come: speed, dribbling and versatility.
Whether he is cutting inside from the left-wing, bursting beyond his opposite number on the right-wing or honing in on his intricate tendencies in a number ten role, Nelson is a player who can hurt his opponent in the final-third.
Considering the enormity of his potential and the talent which has already manifested at senior level, it’s fair to say that Nelson is the type of player who could command an asking price in the multi-millions in the years to come.
That’s great news for Stan Kroenke, as Nelson will enable Arsenal to promote from within instead of gambling on a player from outside the club who will by no means guarantee success.
Nelson, just 18-years-of-age, has scored eight goals from sixteen appearances for both club and country so far this season – a record which suggests he is destined to break into the first-team at Arsenal.
The extortionate spending which Premier League owners throw at the transfer market, often gratuitously, looks set to continue for now, but ultimately they will be constantly looking for alternative and sustainable methods to develop their clubs.
The promotion of youth and placing a strong emphasis on the development of academy players perhaps offers the most traditional and obvious alternative, so Nelson’s achievements this season will certainly be delighting Kroenke, as players of his talent seldom come along to give owners legitimate reason to keep their money stashed in their pockets.
Arsenal fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
