Premier League Rumors: Arsenal Legend Feels Arteta Youth Movement May Backfire

Mikel Arteta has been focusing on youth, elevating promising stars such as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah to the first team. In the process, veterans have been shipped out. As of this writing, the players no longer around are Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Mohamed Elneny --a move seen to make more room for younger talent.

The move is understandable for Arteta who is trying to implement a new philosophy. But for Arsenal legend Charlie Nicholas, the 38-year-old Spaniard may want to re-evaluate his moves.

Nicholas lauds the infusion of young and fresh talent but believes they are being given to much responsibility. Further, he questions how long this investment can pan out. Nicholas is wary of the consistency of play of these young turks, eventually stressing that Arteta needs to strike a balance, according to a report from Sky Sports.

And speaking of veterans, there is one big fish at Emirates Stadium that could get away if Arteta is not careful. Nicholas points out the case of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who has yet to get a new deal. Though his current deal is good for another 13 months, Nicholas joins others who feel that the Gunners would be foolish not to secure him as early as now.

Nicholas added that if the Gabon national is not part of Arteta's plans, Arsenal should deal him while there is still time to spare. If no deal is made in the coming months and Aubameyang's contract lapses, the Gunners may end up with nothing in the end.

"We know Arsenal are going to have to trade quite a bit as they don't have the money. Surely by now Arsenal know if Aubameyang's going to sign a contract, and if they can get decent money they should sell him," Nicholas said.

The Arsenal Legend's sentiments are valid although Arteta may already be working on something. As mentioned in a previous post, the Spanish coach plans to take matters in his own hands and talk with Aubameyang. Arteta will try to show the Gabon football player his role in the system he is putting in place, hopefully something that would convince him to stay.

Aside from Aubameyang, Arteta plans to address the case of David Luiz, another veteran whose contract will run out after this season. Considering their close ties, Arteta is likely to have a harder time reasoning with Aubameyang over Luiz.