Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger may be admired for his ability to nurture young talent – but Everton’s Ronald Koeman has stolen his thunder.
David Moyes was expected to give Joel Asoro more of a chance
It’s testament to the impact made by 17-year-old Joel Asoro on Sunderland’s pre-season tour that supporters were wondering whether the teenager would follow in the footsteps of Wayne Rooney, Ross Barkley and co and be thrust into the big time by David Moyes.
However, lingering optimism at the Stadium of Light scarpered a long time ago. A year on, Sunderland are preparing for life in the Championship, Moyes is out of a job and Asoro could be about to jump ship.
The Sunderland Echo claim that Arsenal are leading the chase for the Sweden Under-21 international, who became the club’s youngest ever Premier League player when he came off the bench against Middlesbrough in August.
That home defeat remains his only appearance in the top flight. Yet, his performances in the club’s reserves have piqued Arsenal’s interest with the report adding that they will pay £5 million in a double deal including fellow Sunderland starlet Benjamin Mbunga-Kimpioka.
However, Arsenal are not the only interested party. The Sunderland Echo claims that Everton are also interested in offering Asoro a lifeline.
Sign of the times
And though the prospect of working under Arsene Wenger at The Emirates will be undoubtedly tempting to a young player, it’s a sign of the times that Everton may be a more sensible destination. After all, while Wenger’s ability to transform teenage potential into world class talent is legendary, recent evidence suggests the Frenchman has lost his golden touch.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
The likes of Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas became bonafide world beaters at Arsenal but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott and Kieran Gibbs are just some of the players who failed to kick-on under Wenger in recent seasons.
These days, it’s increasingly rare for young players to force their way into Wenger’s plans. Rob Holding and Alex Iwobi were the only players aged 21 or younger to feature regularly last season.
At Everton, however, Tom Davies, Mason Holgate and Dominic Calvert-Lewin were rewarded for fine performances in the club’s academy with frequent outings in the first-team. Furthermore, it should not escape Asoro’s attention that Everton’s Under-23 team lifted the Premier League B title in 2016/17.
Tom Davies is proof that young players will get their chance under Ronald Koeman at Everton
If he chooses Merseyside over North London, Asoro could reap the rewards quicker than he might expect.
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