The Arsenal patrons in the Transfer Tavern are sharing a round of freshly pumped ale, looking to the future and wondering when the next Gunners superstar will emerge from their club’s prestigious academy set-up.
Indeed, Arsenal’s academy has been responsible for some top talents down the years, not least including former captain Tony Adams, ex-England man Martin Keown, Premier League goalscoring legend Andy Cole and fan favourite Jack Wilshere.
But times have changed and academy graduates lack the security of yesteryear. Whilst most once only had eyes for the club that produced them, youngsters these days are inevitably drawn in by big-money moves to Barcelona or Real Madrid.
With that in mind, Transfer Tavern have taken a look at two Gunners youngsters tipped for bright futures who could be worth an absolute fortune in the years to come – especially if transfer fees continue to escalate beyond proportion.
So, Arsenal fans – should Arsene Wenger already be considering cashing in on these two prodigies? Let us know by commenting below!
Kelechi Nwakali
Kelechi Nwakali was the standout star of the 2015 U17 World Cup, captaining Nigeria to the title and picking up the competition’s Golden Ball award for his performances. A move to north London was somewhat delayed but finally took place last summer, although Arsene Wenger elected to immediately loan out the African ace to Dutch side MVV Maastricht – where he has gone on to make 18 appearances in the Eerste Division, scoring once.
African players have become more influential than ever in the Premier League over the last decade and judging by his career so far, Kelechi is on course to be a part of the next generation starting to break through. Combine that with the commercial profile that comes from being one of the continent’s top footballers and the teenager could well become a superstar, both on the pitch and financially, in the coming years.
Dan Crowley
The fact Ireland and England have been scrapping over his services throughout his short career highlights how highly-rated Dan Crowley is, both outside and inside the confines of the Emirates Stadium. The youngster has represented both countries at junior level and started to make inroads domestically too, impressing in League One during recent loan spells with Barnsley and Oxford United, albeit still waiting for his Gunners debut.
Comparable to Jack Wilshere, former Barnsley manager Lee Johnson recently described him as ‘the best 18-year-old I’ve ever seen‘. Bearing in mind the premium placed on home-grown talent these days, Crowley could be worth an absolute fortune if he progresses to the levels many expect over the next few years.
