Every year the Arsenal academy staff face some challenging decisions with regards to which players to let go.
Arsenal have elected to release striker Omari Benjamin, with the decision coming as something of a surprise.
Benjamin confirmed his departure on his Instagram account as he wrote: ‘Thank you to all the coaches, staff and players for helping me during my 5 years at Arsenal. It’s been a joy to play for this club and i will take all my learning and all the great memories made with me. Wish you all the best’.
The Wales youth international spent time on trial at Everton earlier this season and scored for the Toffees’ U21 side against Tottenham Hotspur, so it is possible that the Merseyside club could look to bring him in on a permanent basis.
Arsenal make decision to let Omari Benjamin leave
Benjamin was initially informed in March that he would be leaving Arsenal, but he returned to feature for the Gunners at U18 level towards the end of the campaign which offered some hope that the club could reverse their decision.
However, it has now been confirmed that Benjamin will leave, with his five-year spell with Arsenal coming to an end.
During his time with Arsenal, Benjamin scored 18 goals in 33 matches at U18 level, which included him finding the net in the FA Youth Cup final defeat against West Ham United at Emirates Stadium last season. Furthermore, he had some training sessions with Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad.
Benjamin was also involved for Arsenal U21s and featured for the U19s in the UEFA Youth League but he wasn’t quite as impressive this season as he was during the previous campaign.
When he is at his best, though, Benjamin is capable of making a major impact. Although he cannot be compared to the Brazilian in terms of ability, Benjamin has a similar playing style to Gabriel Jesus in that he is a very good dribbler who relishes bringing others into play.
It can also be argued that Benjamin is most effective when deployed as a left winger as this enables him to make great use of his flair.
Chido Martin Obi could benefit from Benjamin’s departure
Arsenal could end up regretting letting Benjamin go as he potentially could have been involved with Arteta’s squad in the future, but his departure should open the door for another talented young striker to make an impact for the U21s.
Chido Martin Obi hit the headlines after scoring a remarkable 32 goals for the U18s as a schoolboy this season and he may well step up to become the main striker for the U21s next campaign.
Arsenal are also able to call upon Daniel Oyetunde, who scored on the final day of the season for the U18s against Chelsea as he made his return from injury.
