Arsenal: Two Homegrown Products Could Bolster Arsene Wenger's Attack

One area of the Arsenal team certain to undergo changes this summer is striker. Nicklas Bendtner edges nearer to the Emirates exit door. Doubts have even been raised about the futures of Carlos Vela and Marouane Chamakh. Replacements could lie in Arsenal's own youth ranks.  Chuks Aneke and Alban Bunjaku are two starlets who have impressed in reserve and youth action this season. 

Aneke is a name probably more familiar to most Gunners fans. A player previously coveted by Barcelona, the talented attacker seems destined for a big future. Aneke has all the attributes needed to be a part of Arsenal's first team. Having been at the club since 2001, he is fully indoctrinated in the Arsenal style of play. 

Usually deployed as a link between the midfield and forward lines, Aneke has seen some action as a striker. A very creative player, Aneke has a keen ability to unlock a defense. He would need to improve his goal tally to provide competition and support for the senior strikers. Able to produce a powerful shot, Aneke should have no problems finding the net once he gains first-team experience.

Alban Bunjaku is a highly touted prodigy expected to make the grade and turn professional. A forward-thinking midfielder, he has a speed of thought and technical daring naturally suited to Arsene Wenger's football principles.

Plying his trade in the youth teams, Bunjaku immediately stands out as a talent worth remembering. Having scored nine goals and also provided valuable assists this season, Bunjaku has already generated excitement amongst Arsenal's coaches and fans.

While both of these players are classed as midfielders, the fluidity of Arsenal's system encourages midfielders to transition to forwards in an instant. The existing formation uses only one true striker. The rest of the forward line are deployed as attacking wide front men. It should also be remembered that Arsenal's current lone front man, Robin Van Persie, began his career as an attacking midfielder. The Dutch international has certainly made a success of the switch.

Loan moves may seem the most likely next steps for Aneke and Bunjaku. Yet Arsenal's own youth team goalkeeper Damian Martinez recently merited inclusion in the Argentina squad. So the jump to first team squad roles might not be as big as it seems.

If Arsenal are truly committed to youth, this should be reflected by including more young players deemed exceptional talents in the first team plans. Arsenal are often said to follow Barcelona's model for success. The Catalan club wasted no time in fast tracking youngsters such as Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Pedro, Jeffren and Thiago Alcantara into the senior squad.

Having already made two raids on Barcelona's famed youth academy and with enquiries being made concerning a third, much has been made of Arsenal's reliance on poaching young talent from abroad. But with many holes to fill and limited resources available, now could be the time for Arsene Wenger to utilise Arsenal's own young talent.

Competing against superior financial muscle in the Premier League makes this is a risky strategy for Arsene Wenger. But as Barcelona showed, if you get it right, the rewards are huge.