Arsenal under Mikel Arteta have emerged as a side that places trust in youngsters. Just this season, the likes of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have become important parts of the first-team setup despite their relatively tender age.
Once it emerged that Bukayo Saka had suffered an issue and was set to be out for a significant period, the easiest option would have been to go down a tried and tested route of deploying someone like Gabriel Jesus or Trossard from the right. However, Arteta wasn’t afraid to start Nwaneri from the right and boy, didn’t he make an impression!
Going forward, it will come as no surprise to see Arsenal try and sign youngsters who can potentially contribute in a few years time and become key parts of the first team. The Gunners are in a stage of their project where they need to not just focus on the present but also think about a succession plan.
Now, it has emerged that Arsenal are interested in signing 17-year-old Scottish forward Evan Mooney from St. Mirren. Predominantly a right winger despite being naturally right-footed, the teenager can also play through the middle.
Young blood!
Mooney has played five times across all competitions at the senior level so far this season, scoring twice and providing one assist. As time goes on, he is likely to get more minutes if he stays at St. Mirren but the allure of playing for Arsenal might just be too much to resist.
A magic moment 🪄✨
Evan Mooney scores his first senior goal to draw us level. pic.twitter.com/UQI0Vz6icy
— St Mirren FC (@saintmirrenfc) December 15, 2024
Newcastle United are also said to be keen on signing Mooney. All clubs understand that the teenager is far from the finished product but the talent that he has is obvious. Not everyone is Lamine Yamal, are they, to play that well at 17?
Should Arsenal manage to sign Mooney, he would be a good addition to the academy. Should he keep learning and progressing and show the necessary development, he will know that there is a manager ready to give youngsters a chance.
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It remains to be seen what the future holds for Mooney. Let’s hope that he does end up wearing the Gunners’ jersey soon and who knows, one day, the Emirates might be ready to chant his name!
