Arsenal are setting their sights on the future with a keen focus on their academy as part of their recruitment strategy. The North London club have successfully nurtured several promising talents, including Bukayo Saka, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, and Max Dowman, all of whom have made their mark on the senior team.
Yet, the Gunners are already preparing for the next generation, with the club's hierarchy committed to building a sustainable future through the Hale End academy. This includes scouting and signing young talent from around the world who can contribute to the club in the long run.
In line with this strategy, Arsenal have acted swiftly in the transfer market. According to ESPN, the club has agreed to sign highly rated Ecuadorian twins Edwin and Holger Quintero from Independiente Del Valle.
The report suggests that the pair are in London this week to finalise the details of a deal.
At just 16 years old, the duo won't officially join Arsenal until 2027, when they turn 18 and are eligible to make the move under current regulations. This is yet another example of the club's commitment to identifying and securing the next generation of footballing talent, even if the payoff may not be immediate.
It's understood that Arsenal has been investing heavily in South American talent for many years, with Gabriel Martinelli, a £6million signing from Brazilian side Ituano, being a prime example of the success of this strategy.
The transfer fee for the Quintero twins is yet to be disclosed, but an announcement regarding their arrival from Independiente is expected soon. The same club also nurtured current Gunner Piero Hincapie and played a part in Moises Caicedo's journey to the Premier League.
Arsenal's recruitment team has been striving to secure such talent early on, having already announced a pre-agreement to sign Victor Ozhianvuna. The Shamrock Rovers prodigy will join the Gunners in 2027 when he turns 18, following a standout season in Ireland.
This comes at a time when opinions are divided over the performance of Arsenal's academy. While the development of first-team talent is evident, the under-21s and under-18s have had a disappointing season.
There is a glimmer of hope that by signing some of the most promising talent, Arsenal are bolstering their ranks to remain competitive. Ultimately, the success will be measured by how effectively the academy nurtures talent that either bolsters the senior side or generates funds for reinvestment.
This forms the foundation of Arsenal's sustainability plan under KSE, with the massive summer transfer expenditure unlikely to be repeated without improved player sales.