Journalist: Arsenal increase youth focus as senior plans take shape | OneFootball

Report: Arsenal Focus on Youth and Depth Amid Quieter Week of Transfer Activity

Arsenal’s summer transfer window continues to revolve not around marquee signings, but rather the quiet, calculated build-up of youth potential. While some clubs scramble in the final weeks to complete big-name deals, Arsenal are working more methodically. This past week, The Athletic reported that the club focused largely on academy-level movement, showing once again that Mikel Arteta and the recruitment staff are committed to long-term planning as much as they are immediate success.

One of the more notable stories was the club’s failed pursuit of 17-year-old striker Will Wright. A fee had been agreed with Salford City, said to be around £200,000 plus add-ons. Yet personal terms stalled progress. Instead, Wright chose to remain in the north west, with Liverpool moving swiftly to secure his signature.

This may appear a minor loss in the grand scheme, but it underlines the competitive and precarious nature of academy recruitment. It is no longer just about who scouts a player first, but which club can offer the right geographic, developmental and emotional environment. For Arsenal, the search continues, particularly for someone to work alongside Andre Harriman-Annous in the under-21 setup. Their pursuit of 17-year-old Igor Tyjon from Blackburn Rovers remains unresolved, with a second bid already rejected.

There has been one success, though, with the signing of 16-year-old goalkeeper Remi Lupinski from MK Dons. He will join Arsenal’s under-17 squad on a two-year scholarship, reinforcing their future options between the posts.

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Young stars emerge in pre-season preparations

Arsenal’s pre-season is always a chance to test the maturity and readiness of its academy prospects. This year, while many eyes focused on familiar names like Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, a younger face has drawn attention: 15-year-old Max Dowman.

Dowman, a left-footed talent who has predominantly featured on the right wing, has impressed in a series of pre-season cameos. His age might imply long-term thinking, but Arsenal are expected to use him in both under-21 and even some first-team matches across the 2025-26 campaign.

“It is unclear how regularly he will be involved with the first team once the competitive season starts,” The Athletic noted, yet the mere fact he is in the discussion reflects both his promise and the club’s growing confidence in promoting from within.

With Bukayo Saka still one of the first names on the team sheet and Noni Madueke having returned early from his holiday to begin pre-season training, Dowman will face stiff competition. However, his presence during senior sessions is testament to his rapid development and the club’s increasing willingness to fast-track exceptional talent.

Priorities remain on left wing and defensive depth

In terms of senior additions, The Athletic suggests Arsenal are still monitoring options on the left wing. This is less about urgency and more to do with strategic squad shaping. Much could depend on the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. The club are clearly keeping their options open while maintaining internal flexibility.

In defence, Arsenal have tracked France Under-21 international Jeremy Jacquet for some time. Though attention has turned elsewhere for now, notably Cristhian Mosquera, the Rennes defender remains a player of interest. Any renewed pursuit might hinge on outgoings such as Oleksandr Zinchenko or Jakub Kiwior.

Jacquet recently signed a contract extension until 2029, meaning any approach would require significant investment and a persuasive argument for the player. Yet the interest remains, and Arsenal have shown in recent years they are willing to be patient with defensive targets if they believe in the fit.

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Outgoings remain fluid amid transfer uncertainty

The other half of Arsenal’s window now depends heavily on exits. Several players are reportedly on the market, with Jakub Kiwior attracting interest from Porto. While the Polish international is content at the club, there is recognition from both parties that he wants regular minutes at this stage in his career.

As The Athletic put it: “Arsenal are not in a hurry to move Kiwior on, but as with most players, there is a number at which a deal would make sense for all parties.”

That statement rings true for several names. Reiss Nelson, who remains on the fringes of the squad, is drawing interest from Fulham. Zinchenko, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Karl Hein are also expected to be available should offers come in.

Fabio Vieira’s future is another point of intrigue. Loaned to Porto last season, the Portuguese midfielder is now being targeted by Stuttgart for a permanent move. Talks are progressing, although no final agreement has been reached. Given his age and inconsistent impact, a move might suit both club and player.

Even at academy level, movement is expected. Arsenal, like many top clubs, are willing to allow promising youngsters to leave permanently if the right opportunity arises. It reflects a more pragmatic approach to squad building, one that ensures quality and fit over quantity and hope.

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From an Arsenal fan’s perspective, this measured, youth-focused approach is increasingly characteristic of a club that has re-established a long-term identity. There’s a sense of calm about the window, which might concern those hoping for blockbuster additions, but in truth it reflects growing self-belief in the strategy.

Missing out on Will Wright to Liverpool may sting, particularly given the circumstances, but the club’s focus on Remi Lupinski and continued pursuit of Igor Tyjon indicate that the academy network is more active than ever. The emergence of Max Dowman is perhaps the biggest highlight. For a 15-year-old to be seriously involved in senior pre-season activities suggests not only talent but a player mature beyond his years.

It’s reassuring to see Arsenal not panic-buy in light of injuries or market pressure. Instead, they are building in layers. That said, many supporters will still expect a left-wing addition, especially if Martinelli or Trossard’s situations evolve. Noni Madueke arriving early to train is promising, but added depth is a must if the club is to compete across multiple fronts.

There will always be those watching with apprehension as other teams splash out. Yet Arsenal fans can take confidence in a process that, while slower and subtler, increasingly yields results. And if Dowman becomes the next academy graduate to follow in Nwaneri’s footsteps, that patience may be rewarded sooner than expected.