Omari Hutchinson scored a spectacular goal for Arsenal U21s in a friendly this week but it is unclear which level he will be playing at this season.
Hutchinson, who can thrive as a winger or an attacking midfielder, made an impact in the defeat to Woking but wasn’t selected to travel with the first-team squad for their training camp in Germany.
The reason for Hutchinson’s omission isn’t anything to do with ability but more the fact that there are plenty of wide options in the first-team squad, such as Nicolas Pepe, Reiss Nelson, Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli and Marquinhos, while Folarin Balogun has also been used on the left flank at times.
Although it is possible that Pepe and Nelson may not be at the club when the season starts, Bukayo Saka still has to return from holiday after international duty and it isn’t out of the question that Arsenal could sign another winger.
As alluded to, Hutchinson is also capable of playing as an attacking midfielder but then would be behind the likes of Martin Odegaard, Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira.
There is a possibility that Hutchinson could be involved in the first-team’s tour of the United States but it isn’t guaranteed he will get many opportunities beyond that in the near future.
Hutchinson had been earmarked for potential involvement in the Europa League this season and that could still be the case but if he isn’t going to be starting in the group matches then perhaps a loan could be the best option.
Although Hutchinson is only 18, it has long been apparent that playing in the U21s will not do too much for his development and he is often one of Arsenal’s standout performers at that level.
A full season out on loan could really help Hutchinson develop his all-round game rather than waiting for sporadic opportunities to impress.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
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