Top of the class: Bukayo Saka, superstar alumnus of Arsenal’s academy
(Picture: PA)“London is a hotbed for talent. It’s almost impossible to stay hidden if you are really talented at football. There are eyes everywhere.” So says Per Mertesacker, former Arsenal captain and Germany midfielder, in Inside Hale End, a brilliant six-part documentary series, recently released on the club’s website. It takes you behind the scenes of Arsenal’s world-class academy, following the Under 15s and 16s through the 2021-22 season.
Per should know – having hung up his boots, he now leads the academy, which has recently developed the likes of England internationals Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka. Arsenal fan or not (and I’m not actually), you’ll be fascinated by the series’ insight into what makes – and breaks – the business of elite footballing talent in the capital. Saka and Smith Rowe are now club assets worth tens of millions of pounds. For football clubs – just like any other business – acquiring, growing and retaining future talent is key.
