EPL Transfer Rumours: Former Arsenal Star Could Return To Hurt Wenger

Rarely does one hear the success stories of a youngster who has been released or sold by North London giants Arsenal and gone on to enforce his presence greatly on the footballing world. However, it appears that Anthony Stokes may be an exception.

The young Irishman joined Arsenal as a 15-year-old in 2003 joining from Irish outfit Shelbourne. The striker would go on to make his professional debut two years late in the Carling Cup. A notable tradition with all promising youngsters under Arsene Wenger, Stokes was forced to endure a loan spell to gain valuable experience and consistent playing time.

The Irish sharp-shooter signed with Scottish giants Falkirk for six months at the beginning of the 2006/2007 campaign as an 18-year-old. Stokes immediately made an impact and in his first four games secured an impressive nine goals that included two hat-tricks.

The Shelbourne youth continued to torment the SPL defences adding another hat-trick to his impressive resume before being named The SPL Young Player of the Month for October and November. Stokes finished his loan spell with Falkirk with 16 goals in 18 appearances.

However, on return to Arsenal, Wenger opted to sell Stokes the following month as the likes of Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie, Emmanuel Adebayor and Jeremie Aliadiere all ahead of Stokes in the striking ranks at the Emirates.

The Irishman was sold to Sunderland for £two million and thus began a decline in attacking prowess and respectability for the young Ireland star. A combined 37 appearances for Sunderland only achieved five goals alongside two disappointing loan spells with Championship sides Sheffield United and Crystal Palace.

Stokes was eventually sold to Scottish giants Hibernian in August 2009, where former Falkirk manager John Hughes, was now managing. Stokes enjoyed a stellar debut season for the Hibs, appearing 48 times and scoring 24 goals as well as achieving the SPL Goal of the Season and the fastest SPL goal of all time.

The Irish starlet's form caught the attention of Celtic, who immediately secured the services of the 22-year-old for the current season. The move has seen Stokes continue his clinical form with 17 goals in 24 appearances this campaign.

Now the young gun is touted with a move the English Premier League with critics believing Stokes has matured greatly and would now thrive in the world's best league. Rumour has it the likes of West Ham, Blackburn and Stoke are greatly interested in the Ireland international who is currently one of hottest strikers in world football.

It appears that potentially Arsene Wenger may have been wrong in selling Anthony Stokes, but then again, you can't win them all.