Arsenal are reaping the rewards of their Hale End academy setup right now, though some players are having to impress out on loan first.
Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are earning huge praise in Mikel Arteta’s first team, whilst Reiss Nelson, Joe Willock, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Eddie Nketiah have featured in parts this season.
Willock and Maitland-Niles are currently out on loan, and the same goes for midfielder James Olayinka, who is currently with Southend United.
The 20-year-old midfielder had a spell with Northampton Town last season before linking up with Southend this term.
Olayinka has scored twice in 16 League Two appearances, and has just returned from injury for the League Two side as he looks to end his season on a high.
Olayinka will return to Arsenal this summer, and as he approaches his 21st birthday, he will need to decide whether he needs to leave for first-team football.
He has now received major praise from Southend boss Mark Molesley, who has told Echo News that he thinks Olayinka has real ‘attacking flair’.
Olayinka only played 17 minutes of the 0-0 draw with Walsall on Tuesday, but clearly showed enough for Molesley to be impressed – and that’s what Arsenal are looking for in their young talent.
“James has got attacking flair and he showed that,” said Molesley. “It’s another attacking player to add to our armoury and he can play in a range of positions. There’s competition for places and it’s difficult because they’re all fighting. The pressure is on and you need to come on and produce it now because there are other people waiting.” he added.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
