Wright: Arsenal should match Saka and Smith Rowe’s progression

Being stuck in the middle of the Premier League table for most of their campaign,

have spent an uninspiring 2020-21 season. However, the Gunners have been blessed with finding new talents in their squad. The development of academy graduates

and

has secured first-team spots for both of them.

Ian Wright

urges the club to match the development of their young talents if they are interested in keeping them.

Wright

told

:

"Talking about him [Smith-Rowe] and Saka, you’re hoping Arsenal can match their progression because if they don’t, then clubs will try and take them off of us.

"It is a massive concern. It is a massive concern that are Arsenal are able to sort out whatever is going on upstairs, with the manager, with the players that are going to come in, whoever he is going to bring in to try and execute whatever game plan he wants to do, because these guys are going to be a major part of that.

"If they continue to play well, if we do not progress as quickly as these guys progress, then you have to be worried about their ambition and what they want to do because they’re fantastic players."

Smith Rowe has developed himself as a potential successor to

in the Gunners’ midfield. The 20-year-old has featured in 17 league matches for Arsenal this season, scoring one goal and providing four assists. Saka has also established himself as a key player in

Mikel Arteta

’s plans for the north London club. The 19-year-old winger has scored 7 goals and provided 9 assists in his 43 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions. He also became an England international when he was invited to the national team by Gareth Southgate in October 2020.

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