Guillem Balague says Arsenal’s academy prospects don’t need to worry about getting chances in the first-team under reported new manager Unai Emery.

1Emery’s youth philosophy

Speaking on his YouTube channel on Monday, Balague explained Emery’s philosophy when it comes to young players.

“Unai is somebody that doesn’t look at your passport to see what age players are,” he explained. “He’s happy to give opportunities.

“He also knows that once you get to the elite you have to win, of course. So it’s not only about developing players, but he will be close to that process. That is something that is exciting to him.”

That should be reassuring to hear for Arsenal fans, because the club needs a manager who believes in young players.

Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock tore the Premier League 2 to pieces this season, and they’re clearly too good for that level. Now they need help and opportunities to develop into first-team players.

They aren’t the only ones either.

Under-23 captain Joshua Dasilva perhaps deserved a few more chances than he got this season. Konstantinos Mavropanos showed he’s almost ready for the first-team in the final matches. Ainsley Maitland-Niles performed very well when given opportunities across the course of the campaign.

Then there’s Ben Sheaf, who had a strong loan spell. Matt Macey, who only conceded one goal in two games for the first team. Jordi Osei-Tutu, who didn’t get any time on the pitch for the senior side, but made the squad on a number of occasions, and looks ready to step up as a back up to Hector Bellerin.

The priority is winning matches, but if Emery can integrate a few of these players along the way, even better.

For Emery’s contract details, information about the appointment process and more, click ‘Next’

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