When Arsenal began the drive to overhaul the squad, both manager Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu wanted to push the narrative towards youth. In 2021 the pair worked hard to bring in six players aged 23 and under.
Arsenal’s squad saw Martin Odegaard, Ben White, Aaron Ramsdale, Nuno Tavares, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Albert Sambi Lokonga all arrive and integrate for the 2021/22 season. All made an impact throughout the campaign, some establishing themselves like the now England internationals White and Ramsdale, whereas for others a long-term future in north London remains in question.
Tavares for instance has gone out on loan after the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko saw him drop to third or, with Tomiyasu’s presence, potentially even fourth choice left-back. This has hugely benefited him and he has become a highly-regarded player in a squad that not only suits his style but offers consistent game time.
