Arsenal have sent scouts to monitor the progress of Leicester City left back Ben Chilwell, as they weigh up a bid for the 18 year old.
Chilwell is a left back and a regular for Leicester’s under 21 side, and The Mirror report that Arsenal could launch a bid to bolster their youth ranks.
..there is a concern that they do not have enough strength in depth throughout the youth ranks. That explains why Arsenal are trying to look to the future with academy director Andries Jonker insisting they need more of the best youngsters – John Cross (Mirror)
Arsenal might be right to have a concern about the youth ranks. A club of our size should have plenty of quality youngsters, the best in the country. However, despite Wenger’s love for developing youngsters, they tend to be brought in at the ages of 17 or over, going straight into the first team squad.
It seems Arsenal now want to give the squad more depth by adding to their youth team. Arsenal’s main youth talents are Danny Crowley, Gedion Zelalem and Chris Willock – all midfielders. The youngsters in defence are a particular worry, hence the interest in Chilwell and Charlton’s Joe Gomez.
Gomez is an 18 year old centre back and can also play at right back. John Cross has suggested that Arsenal are also interested in the English defender, but for now the focus is on Chilwell.