As Arsenal found themselves in 15th place, embroiled in a distressing relegation battle during Christmas of 2020, two prodigious talents emerged to help lift the club from its woes. Mikel Arteta turned to Emile Smith Rowe to bring creativity to the pitch alongside the more seasoned albeit still just 19-year-old Bukayo Saka. This was a team that had garnered only two points from their last seven matches, yet they achieved a surprising victory against Chelsea on Boxing Day.
On his third appearance in the Premier League, and his first of that season, Smith Rowe set up Saka, who deftly clipped the ball over goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. These young players quickly became a source of hope for fans, as senior teammates struggled, while other academy products delivered moments of sheer ecstasy under Arteta’s guidance. Notable mentions include Eddie Nketiah’s two goals against Manchester United in January 2023 and Reiss Nelson’s stunning left-foot half-volley to close a remarkable comeback against Bournemouth later that season.
Nketiah and Nelson showcased their potential to contribute to a title-contending side during the 2022-23 season. However, last season, as Arteta sought consistency and reduced risk, the Hale End graduates—aside from Saka—failed to make significant strides, placing them on the verge of departure.
Smith Rowe, who shares a bond with Starboy Saka among the hearts of Arsenal fans, is reportedly nearing a move to Fulham, with a valuation around £35m. While this might be seen as a triumph for the academy coaches and a financial boost for the club, it is not the trajectory envisioned for a player who requested the No 10 shirt upon signing a new deal in 2021. After being omitted from Arsenal’s initial pre-season match against Bournemouth in California, Arteta commented, “There are things happening in the background at the moment. And we decided the best thing to do was keep him away from the game.”
In his breakout 2021-22 campaign, Smith Rowe featured in 33 Premier League matches, contributing 10 goals and two assists. However, his subsequent appearances were limited to just three league starts without a goal. Once dubbed the “Croydon De Bruyne,” Smith Rowe has slid down the rankings due to injuries and the form of others. With Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus preferred on the left flank, and Declan Rice and Kai Havertz frequently occupying the left No 8 role, it has become crucial for Smith Rowe to secure a move to reignite his career.
Nketiah is attracting interest from Marseille. When Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was let go by Arteta in February 2022, only an aging Alexandre Lacazette stood in Nketiah’s way, and when the attack faltered, Nketiah stepped in, famously scoring twice to boost Arsenal’s top-four aspirations in a victory at Stamford Bridge alongside goals from Smith Rowe and Saka.
Emile Smith Rowe and other Arsenal youngsters impressed in a win over Chelsea in December 2020. Photograph: Getty Images
Three graduates from the academy shone brightly together, with the potential to become the club’s face for years to come. In the summer of 2022, Nketiah signed a new contract and was given the iconic No 14 shirt, once worn by Thierry Henry. However, Arsenal’s acquisition of Jesus from Manchester City as their main striker transformed the dynamic, as he led an unexpected title challenge.
A knee injury to Jesus provided Nketiah with the opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities as a leader for a title-contending team. After the mid-season World Cup, he netted four goals in five Premier League matches. Yet, despite a dramatic last-minute winner against Manchester United, Nketiah struggled to maintain momentum and has remained behind Jesus, Havertz, and Trossard in the pecking order for nearly a year.
Similarly, Nelson couldn’t build upon his stunning winner against Bournemouth with a consistent place in the team. While Saka’s attributes include impressive consistency and availability, these other academy products have found it challenging to match at least one of these qualities.
As Arsenal continues to elevate its performance, striving for consistent league title contention and Champions League qualifications, Smith Rowe, Nketiah, and Nelson have struggled to meet the necessary standards, while Saka excels among the world’s elite, rarely facing setbacks. In a landscape filled with players recruited from all directions, fans remain loyal to those who successfully navigate their academy paths. However, when it comes to results and performances, it means Smith Rowe, Nketiah, and Nelson may soon find themselves cast aside.
