Legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has named the club’s three players who fill him with hope for the future.
They are Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli.
Wenger spent more than two decades in charge of the club and oversaw the development of many young players during that time.
But after leaving in 2018, Arsenal’s academy has continued to churn out stars and Wenger has high hopes for the current crop.
Saka and Smith Rowe have become key players under Mikel Arteta this season.
And Gabriel Martinelli, while not strictly a graduate of the academy, has impressed when given the opportunity.
“They [Smith Rowe and Saka] They were already there when I was there a few years ago.
“We always had a good youth system, with good young players. Good to see that they come out.
“We only talk about injuries and touching wood that these players [don’t get long-term injuries]. It is a sensitive part between [the ages of] 20-22 once they get game after game to see if their body can adapt and cope with it.
“Let’s hope. They consider that I have the highest quality and also a good mentality, so I am quite optimistic about them,” Wenger said.
