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Arsenal’s huge investment into revolutionalising their Hale End academy set-up is starting to pay serious dividends and for many of their up-and-coming prospects, the pathway into the first-team has never been better.

And that’s because manager Mikel Arteta dishes out regular opportunities to those that impress him in the youth system.

For a long time, the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere were the only success stories from within but under the Spaniard, who has even donned the Gunners shirt himself, we’re seeing more and more homegrown players make the cut.

Both Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are now a crucial part of Arteta’s senior squad – but who is likely to follow in their footsteps? We’ve seen plenty of names be given game time throughout pre-season thus far, including Jack Henry-Francis and Omari Hutchinson.

However, Arsenal may have their next Smith Rowe already lying in wait.

“Of all the years I’ve been scouting, he’s the best kid I’ve ever seen,” is how Gunners talent-spotter Brian Stapleton describes 17-year-old gem Charlie Patino to Goal.com.

He has now been tipped to become the ‘next Phil Foden’, a player that Arteta had a big influence on during his time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City.

Despite not turning 18 until September, Patino is expected to play a major role for Arsenal’s U23 side as a left-footed midfielder primarily operating as a no.8.

Although, his future could lie in that advanced midfield role, according to Nick Ames in the Guardian.

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It’s also believed that there is a plan in place for him to become part of the senior set-up in due course, rather than sending him out on loan, which only speaks volumes on his ability and potentially how highly Arteta rates him.

“It was clear Charlie was a special talent,” claimed former head of recruitment Steve Morrow.

Patino even cites Arteta as a player he looked up to as a child, alongside fellow Spaniards Santi Cazorla and the aforementioned Fabregas.

“Sean O’Connor discovered Jack Wilshere and he said to me that Charlie is the best player who has ever walked through the doors at Hale End,” added Stapleton. “The kid has got so much potential, but he’s not there yet.”

We’ve seen how quickly someone like Smith Rowe has established himself in North London. He was only on loan to Championship outfit Huddersfield Town in 2020 and now he’s donning the famous no.10 shirt, having signed a five-year contract extension.

Patino certainly looks like he could be the next big thing to emerge from the impressive Hale End academy. The 17-year-old can make great strides this season.

AND in other news, Better than Odegaard: Edu must sanction Arsenal swoop for £60m-rated “special talent”…

Kevin Campbell has backed West Bromwich Albion to complete the loan signing of Newcastle United midfielder Matty Longstaff [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: West Brom get busy ahead of 2021/22

Moving into 2021/22, many Baggies supporters will be intrigued to see how newly appointed manager Valerien Ismael constructs a side capable of cultivating a promotion charge.

Making inroads towards the transfer market, the West Midlands side have been heavily linked with a move for Barnsley midfielder Alex Mowatt [Football League World].

Additionally, the Sky Bet Championship outfit have been courting the services of 21-year-old Longstaff in recent weeks [Chronicle Live].

Campbell reckons Longstaff would be “great addition” at the Hawthorns

Relating to the latter, Sky Sports pundit Campbell was ecstatic about the possibility of Longstaff pitching up at the Hawthorns in a recent interview with Football Insider.

Speaking to the publication, the former West Brom man stated: “To West Brom? Wow, I’d be impressed if they could get that deal done.

“He would be a great addition but I’m sure there will be Premier League club interested as well. He is a talented young player with a big future ahead of him.

“I am surprised Newcastle won’t keep him and play him. I would be surprised if they let him leave to be honest.

“Whenever he has got some minutes he has looked very capable. He looks like a Premier League player. It would be a big coup if West Brom can sign him.” [Football Insider].

The Verdict: Longstaff would be an excellent signing for the Baggies

Showing his quality at the top level, the 5ft 7in Longstaff is most renowned for his scorching strike at St James’ Park in a famous 1-0 win over Manchester United in 2019 [BBC].

However, there is an argument to say that his development has been stunted in recent years due to injury concerns.

In 2020/21, Longstaff made just five appearances for the North-East side, missing time with a thigh muscle injury that has hampered him in the past too (Transfermarkt).

If he could stay fit with West Bromwich Albion however, they would be receiving an all-action midfielder who would surely benefit from the drop to second-tier football. Looking ahead, we agree with Campbell that this would be an excellent coup for the Baggies.

In other news, West Brom are interested in a play-off hero.

Pundit Danny Mills has suggested that Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks could sign for Wolves or Aston Villa, after spotting him playing golf in Birmingham [Football Insider].

Speaking to the publication about Winks’ need to go and play consistent first-team minutes, the former Leeds United man Mills stated:

“I don’t see him getting into that Spurs side,”

“It depends who comes and goes this summer but he’s down the pecking order. He has been for some time now.

“He needs to get playing. I see him going to Wolves and Aston Villa. He was seen playing golf at The Belfry.

“Let’s assume he was househunting. I can confirm he was there.” [Football Insider].

Making 30 appearances in 2020/21, the 25-year-old contributed to the Spurs fold with two goals and two assists [Transfermarkt].

With both Spurs and Wolves set to be under new management next season, it remains to be seen how the respective manager’s of each club wants to build his squad and if Winks could be an option for either.

The midfielder has experience of playing in the Champions League and for England but despite this, loads of supporters did not take too kindly to Mills’ comments. No wonder these Wolves diehards took to Twitter to fume at the quotes from the former England right-back.

Wolves fans react:

Replying to a post from the popular Wolves fan outlet Talking Wolves, here is what some Wolves fans thought about Mills’ comments:

“No”

Credit: @BasyYung”Gettt ouut”Credit: @BrunoLages442″Harry Stinks”Credit: @ad_but”Absolutely not. I’d rather use that money on someone better”Credit: @Harley_V12″No tar”Credit: @DodgyWolf”Not for £30m, there’s no point selling Neves for £35m and buying him for £30m”Credit: @stig4881In other news, fans react as a Wolves striker speaks out on his Molineux future.

Barry Douglas may have spent just one season at Wolverhampton Wanderers but it was a hugely successful one at Molineux.

Adored by supporters for his rampaging displays from full-back, the Scot was part of the formidable team that secured promotion from the Championship under Nuno Santo.

It was rather baffling that he wasn’t given a chance to prove himself in the Premier League.

The moment the Old Gold went up, the defender was told that he wasn’t going to form part of their plans. It was a sad moment for Douglas who had provided so much for Nuno.

During the course of the 2017/18 campaign, he scored five goals and provided a whopping 15 assists, 14 of which came in the league.

One of the greatest assets Douglas had in his locker was his set-piece delivery. Curling balls in from various parts of the pitch, the club’s set plays were one of their biggest weapons during that promotion-winning campaign.

However, since Douglas left, they’ve struggled to find a true replacement.

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Jonny has arguably been the most consistent figure on the left-hand side of defence but after suffering from back to back ACL injuries in 2020/21, he is no longer an option for the time being.

Marcal has suffered from his own injuries while Ruben Vinagre spent last season on loan. The future for Rayan Ait-Nouri is also unclear following his loan spell.

That being said, Bruno Lage could finally discover their new Douglas with a move for Rangers full-back Borna Barisic.

Reportedly valued at £22m over the last year, the Croatian is a target for Wolves during the summer transfer window. Football Insider claims the Old Gold are battling Arsenal and Aston Villa to sign him.

Another deadly weapon from set-pieces, Barisic has everything in his locker that Douglas successfully brought to the Midlands.

After scoring from a free-kick last season, Gers boss Steven Gerrard described the defender as “magic.”

During the 2020/21 campaign, the 28-year-old provided four goals and 14 assists. That’s strikingly similar to the tally that Douglas amassed three to four years ago.

In the prime of his career, this would be a smart first signing from Lage as he rebuilds the team for next season. With Jonny still out, they could certainly do with another option at left-back.

AND in other news, Old Gold set for huge blow after Wolves news emerges, Lage will be fuming…

Crystal Palace’s hopes of signing Thomas Delaney from Borussia Dortmund this summer have been handed a boost after it was reported that the Bundesliga side are willing to sell him.

According to Sky Sports Germany (via Eastern Daily Press), Crystal Palace, Southampton and Norwich City are all interested in signing the Denmark international this summer, with a move to the Premier League seemingly on the cards for the 29-year-old following Euro 2020.

The £13.5m-rated midfielder has been a regular at Dortmund since joining from Werder Bremen in 2018, making 86 appearances in all competitions, in which he has contributed four goals and 11 assists.

However, he lost his regular spot at Signal Iduna Park last season as he made just 20 appearances in the German top-flight, although his solid 6.70 rating from WhoScored suggests that he can still perform well when called upon.

This would have been enough to rank him as the joint-sixth best performer in Crystal Palace’s squad last season, which suggests that he could be a solid addition at Selhurst Park this summer as incoming manager Patrick Vieira will look to rebuild the squad.

The Frenchman is perhaps most renowned for his time playing in the Premier League with Arsenal, where he was a strong, fierce-tackling defensive midfielder, and Delaney is very much a player in his own ilk, which suggests that the 29-year-old is the sort of player who could really blossom under Vieira’s coaching.

Last season saw the Danish midfielder win two tackles per game in the German top flight, which would rank him as the fifth-best tackler had he produced the same numbers in Palace’s squad last season.

Delaney can play in a number of positions across the midfield, as well as at centre-back, so his versatility would surely be appreciated by Vieira next season as he looks to build a squad which is capable of avoiding relegation to the Championship in a summer of real change at Selhurst Park.

Therefore, after this boost that Delaney is reportedly keen on a move to the Premier League, Palace should definitely be looking to bring him in.

In other news… Vieira must swoop for Premier League Frenchman

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has claimed that Jack Harrison would be an ‘absolute snip’ of a signing for the Whites this summer.

The Lowdown: Brilliant player for Leeds

The winger has been a superb player for Leeds, shining on loan from Manchester City and being hailed as ‘exceptional’ by journalist Alex Stewart.

Harrison has scored 18 goals and registered 20 assists in 128 appearances, proving to be one of Marcelo Bielsa’s key players this season.

Leeds are widely expected to make the 24-year-old’s temporary move permanent this summer, with City seeing no future for him at the Etihad Stadium.

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The Latest: Whelan talks up Harrison

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan claimed that Harrison would be a cheap signing for the Whites, talking up his brilliance as a footballer as he said:

“I think the deal is £11million. That’s what was agreed. It was £2million on the £9million from last season when we took him on loan.

“It’s an absolute snip. He is Leeds United now. He’s been here for years now, it’s his home. We saw progression last season and how important he is. I think he’ll be pushing for an England call up in the near future.”If he keeps putting in those levels of performance with assists and goals and his overall game then we have a massive bargain on our hands.”If you look at the wings, Raphinha and Harrison, that’s not even £30million for the two of them. A real bargain.”

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The Verdict: No-brainer for Bielsa

It makes complete sense for Harrison to join Leeds permanently, considering what an effective player he has been with Bielsa at the helm.

Only Patrick Bamford (17) scored more goals than the attacker’s eight in the Premier League last season and the loanee also chipped in with eight assists (WhoScored).

At 24, Harrison has the potential to be a Leeds hero for many years to come, hopefully settling at Elland Road and maturing even more as a player.

In other news, a pundit believes one Leeds player could be ‘devastated’ about his current situation. Find out who it is here.

Celtic have been in hot pursuit of Eddie Howe for well over a month now but could a resolution finally be on the cards at Parkhead?

It would appear the Bhoys are finally putting the finishing details to a deal that will bring the 43-year-old to Glasgow.

What’s the word?

Celtic have now been without a permanent manager for nearly three months. Neil Lennon departed towards the end of February and since then John Kennedy has been in interim charge.

However, his stint as the club’s temporary manager looks like it could be coming to an end.

Reports in recent weeks stated that a conclusion was being reached with the Howe saga and the latest word from journalist Derek McGregor supplements that view.

Though, in an exciting reveal on the Celtic Huddle podcast, he reveals when we could see the landmark appointment formally announced.

He commented: “I do have a sense it’s coming to a conclusion. I think Eddie Howe will be the next Celtic manager.”

When asked if it could be done this week, McGregor responded: “There’s a chance.”

This came just before TalkSport reported that Howe had now agreed a deal to become the club’s new boss.

Much to do

The sooner Howe is announced as the new manager, the quicker Celtic can press on with the re-structure of not only the boardroom but also the playing staff.

The Hoops have been chasing a new director of football as well as a new head coach in what has been a frantic start to life amongst the top brass for Dominic McKay.

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With the appointment of Howe edging closer to completion, it should leave the Scot incredibly delighted.

After all, the quicker he walks through the door, the easier it’ll be to build a rapport and understanding. Without a manager, the Bhoys could be found wanting in the transfer window, an area McKay will be judged significantly in.

This is a colossal summer for Celtic, one they’ll have to get absolutely spot on if they have desires of stopping Rangers next season.

The futures of Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer remain unsolved and if they do head for the departure lounge, new recruits will be needed.

At the moment, it’s simply impossible to plan their path through the summer. If a move for Howe collapses, then potential targets will be out the window.

Celtic have already been linked with moves for Joshua King and Steve Cook; two players who played under the 43-year-old at Bournemouth.

Beyond that, there is a real lack of clarity concerning recruitment. Nick Hammond hardly got things right with the arrivals of Albian Ajeti and Vasilis Barkas last year.

Arriving for a combined £9.5m, the latter has only played once since January and Ajeti has scored just six times all term.

A smooth and seamless transition is required, therefore, but once Howe arrives things will begin to work like clockwork.

A director of football will be hired and together with the young head coach and McKay, they can begin preparing for a bigger and better Celtic.

AND in other news, McKay must wield the axe on 5ft9 Celtic dud, Sutton dubbed him the “new Ryan Christie”…

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie believes Tom Heaton is too good to be Manchester United’s back-up goalkeeper.

Heaton is considering joining Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, according to The Athletic, with his contract at Villa set to expire.

With Dean Henderson’s future at United uncertain, Heaton could end up getting more game time than he would have initially expected.

Unlikely to displace David de Gea, though, Hendrie has questioned such a move, suggesting that Heaton is still capable of fulfilling a more prominent role.

On the 35-year-old shot-stopper, the ex-Villa player told TT in an exclusive interview:

“Tom Heaton’s such a fabulous goalkeeper and goalkeepers can continue to be at a level and obviously go on a little bit longer than players playing outfield. 

“It’s whether Tom Heaton wants to actually go and truly be just a back up to whatever Manchester United have got. I think he offers a little bit more than that if I’m being quite honest because he’s a fabulous goalie.”

Having probably zero chance of breaking back into Villa’s starting XI given Emiliano Martinez’s form this season, a move away from Villa Park makes sense. But at United, the likelihood is that Heaton will find himself in exactly the same situation.

Furthermore, perhaps the English goalkeeper would be better off considering another option.

Paddy Kenny has urged Glasgow Rangers to complete the signing of Siriki Dembele from Peterborough United this summer.

The Lowdown: Gers linked with Dembele

The Gers have been linked with a move for Dembele (Glasgow Live), who recently earned promotion to the English Championship from League One with Posh and has been described as “absolutely brilliant” by his manager Darren Ferguson.

The 24-year-old has been offered a new contract to stay with his current employers (Peterborough Today), but he is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal.

The Latest: Kenny urges deal to be completed

Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny has urged the Gers to complete the deal, and he believes that Dembele could not turn down a move to Ibrox. The former goalkeeper said:

“It’s a clever move and clever way of doing things, waiting for players to get near the end of their contracts.

“Even if it’s a bit of a gamble, you might even end up getting someone you want on a free, then it’s only costing you wages.

“Peterborough have had an amazing season, getting promoted to the Championship. So I’m sure that if he’s been good enough to play there he could be a success at Rangers.

“If you’ve got the chance to go there, you can’t really turn it down. If it’s a choice between that and Peterborough, I’m afraid to say it’s got to be Rangers.

“As I’ve said before, the manager makes a massive difference too.”

The Verdict: Top talent

Dembele has enjoyed a very good season with Peterborough in 2020/21, scoring 12 goals and providing 12 assists in all competitions (Transfermarkt). Promotion to the Championship means that, if he stays, he will be performing at a higher level next term.

However, as Kenny says, a move to the Gers could be too good to turn down. As the Scottish champions, they will have a chance of playing in the Champions League group stages, something which seems far beyond Peterborough at this moment. If the Gers come calling, it should be an easy decision for Dembele to make.

In other news, this Gers legend is worried about one man’s potential departure.

David Sullivan should seal a summer swoop for West Ham United to sign rumoured Arsenal and Everton target Samuel Chukwueze from Villarreal.

What’s the word?

According to reports in Spain, the Irons are ready to spare no expense in efforts to add Chukwueze to David Moyes’ attacking weaponry if the Scottish coach can secure European football at the London Stadium.

West Ham host fourth-placed Chelsea on Saturday with the chance to move above Thomas Tuchel’s side in the Premier League table, after the Blues edged ahead on goal difference when held to a draw by Brighton & Hove Albion.

Chukwueze is expected to consider walking away from the Estadio de la Ceramica at the end of the season amid interest from the Premier League and La Liga, but is protected by a €80m (£69m) release clause.

Atletico Madrid have long held an interest in the 21-year-old, who Villarreal boss Unai Emery lauds for his “individual brilliance”, yet under no circumstances are they willing to active his exit clause.

Los Colchoneros’ position is seen as a positive for West Ham, Arsenal and Everton who are very interested in a deal for the Nigeria international, previously linked with Manchester United, Liverpool, Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

But the Premier League suitors may have to pay Chukwueze’s full termination clause, with Villarreal gradually raising the fee needed through a slew of new contracts as the Submarino Amarillo are aware of the scale of his talent and the interest in his services.

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Chukwueze, who has scored four goals and offered seven assists in 36 games across all competitions this season, is under contract with Villarreal until the summer of 2023.

Should West Ham sign Villarreal’s Chukwueze?

Clearly, if West Ham want to sign Chukwueze at the end of the season, Sullivan will need to set a new club record to acquire the 18-cap forward and eclipse the £45m paid to Eintracht Frankfurt for Sebastien Haller in 2019.

Spending close to £70m on Chukwueze would be a sizable gamble for the Hammers to take, with the youngster only offering 16 goals and 16 assists in 115 career appearances for the Submarino Amarillo, but that should not stop Sullivan from exploring a deal.

Chukwueze has earned widespread interest over the years through the induvial brilliance that former Arsenal boss Emery has praised him for displaying this season, even if those moments of magic from the wing have not always resulted in an end product.

The £18m-rated Villarreal product’s lack of a prolific end result is the only predominant trait missing from his developing skill, with Emery claiming after Chukwueze – considered to be one of Europe’s most exciting talents – fired a brace in a 5-1 win over Levante last weekend:

“He’s a footballer with great quality. He has a lot of talent, but he needs to improve in front of goal. Today he put in a great performance and managed to score.”

Chukwueze’s questionable scoring record has also seemingly not caused West Ham to doubt his potential, given the claims that the London Stadium side are willing to spare no expense to secure a transfer.

And with Moyes expected to part with Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko this summer, signing a player with a proven X-factor could be a very exciting way for Sullivan to replenish the Hammers’ attacking options.

AND in other news, West Ham have been warned against signing a £10m talent who’s “downed tools” this season…