Ian Wright has said on Premier League Productions that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta should have included Miguel Azeez, Reiss Nelson and Folarin Balogun in the squad against West Bromwich Albion.
The Arsenal legend believes that the Gunners’ fans would love to see young players such as Nelson, Balogun and Azeez in Premier League matchday squads between now and the end of the season.
Midfielder Azeez, striker Balogun and winger Nelson are essentially part of the Arsenal Under-23 side.
Wright believes that in the final games of the Premier League season, Arsenal boss Arteta should try to give these three youngster some minutes.
The Arsenal great said on Premier League Productions: “Someone like Reiss Nelson. I felt for Reiss. He got called back from being on loan in Germany. I know we had a big game in the Under-23s the other day. People like Miguel Azeez, people like Folarin Balogun, I would like to see them in the matchdays now.
“I think the fans would like to see that so that it will give them a lift of what’s coming. If the youngsters are going in, these are the games you would like to think they should have at least been in the matchday squad. Maybe give them 10, 15 minutes to have a look at them.”
A look at the Premier League table would tell you that Arsenal are not going to finish in the top four this season.
In fact, it is unlikely that the Gunners will even play in the Europa League next season.
It would make sense for Arsenal manager Arteta to make use of the academy players coming through in the final three games of the season.
Okay, playing a team full of youngsters against a strong and confident Chelsea side in midweek might not be the best idea, but Arteta could use them against Crystal Palace and Brighton and Hove Albion.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
