Arsenal's Starlets: Brighter Prospects at Other European Clubs?

Over this current transfer period, much talk has been given to the prospects of Samir and Cesc Fabregas, whether they will be leaving, how much for, and the wages that they demand.

There is a slightly more worrying issue at hand: The future of Arsenal.

There was a hypothetical posed to me the other day which made me concerned. If Arsenal aren't able to resign Nasri, and he eventually leaves on a free transfer next season, and Fabregas ends this saga and leaves to Barcelona, Arsenal's midfield will be left totally decimated.

It just can't be allowed to happen. This is why Wenger needs to focus on promoting our youth. 

With last season's Carling Cup being played by mainly first players, instead of fledgling juniors as so often has been the case, many of Arsenal's juniors have not been given a chance to show their wares at the highest level.

And really, winning the Carling Cup is like saying you weigh the least out of all the fat kids in the playground. No one cares. 

There are a number of reserves on the way up at Arsenal, such as Benik Afobe, Emmanuel Frimpong, Henri Lansbury and Conor Henderson. These boys must be held onto.

Frimpong, after his long injury setback last season, has announced that he is having talks with Cardiff and Charlton Athletic for a season long loan.

Frimpong is reportedly the best out of the above, and could provide a Viera-esque influence in the Arsenal setup in years to come. This could be the muscle that is needed to strengthen the lineup in years to come.

But the point of this, is that these loanees, can become easily disillusioned. Havard Nordtveit is a key example of this.

Having been on loan at Salamanca and Nurnberg, he was sold to Borussia Mochengladbach. Nordtveit was one of the brightest defensive prospects in Europe at the time. 

This is a worrying trend. The hypothetical mentioned, has already happened on a minor level. Think back to Flamini and Diarra. Diarra was not given enough game time, Flamini was not re-signed.

Both left to become major stars at other clubs, especially Diarra. Arsenal was left with a defensive midfield hole that has only just been filled by Song, and even then, he still is no match for Lassana Diarra at his current level.

This may not happen at all. But Arsenal's youth must be catered for, the desire to win trophies, needs to be held hand-in-hand with producing the future stars of the Gunners.