Arsenal have been urged to make a final decision regarding one of their former academy stars heading into the summer after a series of loans. As they prepare to potentially lose Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe in the summer, another name could be added to the list.
In the same week that Hale End graduate Bukayo Saka became the club's highest earner with a new five-year deal, Tyreece John-Jules opened up on the struggles he has had since moving on from the same youth team as a host of current first-team players. John-Jules, who spent this season on loan with Ipswich, played alongside Saka, Smith Rowe and Folarin Balogun until 2020 before things changed drastically.
Whilst Saka and Smith Rowe went on to make their first team breakthrough in that same season, John-Jules is yet to make a senior appearance and has instead spent time on five separate loans in the past three seasons. He has had spells at Sheffield Wednesday - one game - as well as Blackpool, Doncaster and Lincoln but os yet to establish himself.
READ NEXT: Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke 'interested' in striking deal after $120m agreement
Despite coming through the England youth set-up at the same time Arsenal's Three Lions contigent he has also failed to sustain that and isn't close to a Premier League move let alone a senior call-up for his country. Ahead of a big summer for the Hale Enders, he has candidly explained his immediate desires and dissatisfaction.
He told The Beautiful Game: "I've got one year left on my contract at Arsenal. I've had five loans now and each one feels like you're getting further from the first team.
"That said, my boy [Folarin] Balogun is ripping it up on loan at the moment [at Reims] and I'd say he's getting closer. I guess everyone has their own path. Right now I'm just trying to get back fit for the start of pre-season.
"Talks will have to happen at some point - whether I stay, go out on loan or leave on a permanent. I just want to settle somewhere, whether that’s signing a new contract with Arsenal or going somewhere else on a permanent.
"I think it’s time to settle down and just focus and chill instead of hopping from loan to loan. It’s difficult and it’s draining travelling to all these places.. Settling and focusing on one team would be ideal, whether that’s Arsenal or somewhere else. I'm all ears. I want to hear every side and I will pick the best option for me."
The attacker has an impressive record in the lower age group sides for the Gunners with 35 goals and 13 assists in 68 games for the Under-18s and Under-21s. He has only managed nine in four attempts at senior football, though.
As the Gunners weigh up what is to come for him, similar questions are being asked of Smith Rowe's future but on a larger scale. He is the same age as John-Jules and was seen as one of the stars of Arteta's young squad before his injury last season derailed his progress. Pre-season was a near write-off for the exciting attacker whilst the fitness issues continued throughout this campaign as well.
He played just 11 games in the league, not starting a single game or scoring a goal. It has been a massive setback for someone seen as being at the centre of the young, English core of Arteta's rebuild. The view of Saka now elevated to world-class standing is a frustrating one for him and there are now ongoing conversations over how to get back into the team.
“He’s pushing, and in football what you did a year ago, a month ago is not important,” Arteta said brutally last month. “It’s about what you do now, what you do yesterday and what you do tomorrow. The player has to have that mindset and the contribution has to be now to the team, it has to make us better and to make us win games.
“He knows how much we love him and he knows how much we missed him and how much we need his qualities. Now he needs to prove it, he needs to prove how much he wants to win, how much he’s going to contribute to this team to be better and to win.
“He’s going to have to show that to get in the team.”
With the midfield likely to see the most change over the summer, Smith Rowe's long-term future is uncertain. Although Granit Xhaka is set to leave there are desires to add Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo and Mason Mount to the squad in order to bring depth and extra quality.
All of these would be an extra threat for Smith Rowe, who has been unable to build up any momentum for 12 months. It has already been suggested that he may have to be sold in order to make room for a player as similar to him as Mount, too.
Although his standing is significantly different to that of John-Jules, their summer decisions are just as crucial.
Who is your Arsenal player of the season? Have your say by voting below!
READ NEXT:
Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke proven right about $264m mega move as jackpot awaits
New Arsenal 2023/24 Adidas kit leak as home shirt pictured amid Bukayo Saka reveal
Why Arsenal have huge advantage over Chelsea to complete 'perfect' £50m Jules Kounde transfer
Former Arsenal captain tells Edu to complete four transfers before trying to sign Declan Rice
Declan Rice transfer latest: Arsenal advantage, Tuchel twist, £92m offer, Chelsea 'out of race
