Mikel Arteta reveals the brutal reason he’s not giving Arsenal new youngsters a chance like Emery did with Martinelli, Saka and Smith-Rowe

Mikel Arteta insists that Arsenal’s current young players are not at the level required to impress in the first team.

The Gunners boss admitted earlier this week that his inability to sign reinforcements during the January window meant he was managing a squad that only existed on paper.

Arteta’s resources have been further limited by the failure of Thomas Partey, who has only now returned to full training after a long absence.

However, critics point to Arteta’s reluctance to make use of the club’s academy, which has produced talents such as Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe in recent years.

Arteta has recently recalled Lin Sousa and Ruell Walters to the first team, while Ethan Nwaneri became the youngest player in Premier League history last season.

In general, though, Arteta has stuck to a core group of older players over the past 18 months, in contrast to Jurgen Klopp, who has particularly highlighted Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley.

“That is definitely what we want,” Arteta said before Sunday’s game against Liverpool, when asked if he would like to see more of Arsenal’s young players thriving in the Premier League.

“First of all we have to create these talents who have to earn it, and secondly they have to be in the positions we need.

“Everything has to fall into place and that is what we are working on. We have some promising players who are not far away, but in reality we want more.

“Today we are a little bit away from giving them the opportunities to play in the first team at the required level.

Sousa appears to be one of those missing out, with an imminent move to Aston Villa confirmed earlier this week.

“It was the club’s decision and obviously he had a very special situation with his contract,” said Arteta, explaining the reason why the teenage defender was sacked.

“There was a lot of talk about it and the club thinks it was the best decision and I supported it.