Arsenal homegrown quota myth debunked, allowing Edu to proceed with transfers despite losing four players.
Arsenal have built one of the Premier League’s top squads and plan to spend further this summer to surpass Manchester City, having finished just two points behind them this season. The Gunners aim to take the final step towards their first title in 21 years with additional reinforcements.
The squad, praised for its balance in age profiles, may see several Hale End graduates like Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah, and Reiss Nelson depart, raising concerns among fans about meeting the homegrown quota. Aaron Ramsdale’s potential departure further fuels these worries. However, the notion of a “homegrown quota” is a misconception.
Premier League clubs can register as many homegrown players as they want, but they are limited to 17 non-homegrown players. Expected or potential departures in this category include Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares, Kieran Tierney, and Thomas Partey. Cedric Soares and Mohamed Elneny have already left, and Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko might seek more game time elsewhere.
Arsenal currently have nine non-homegrown players: Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber, Jakub Kiwior, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Martin Odegaard, Jorginho, Fabio Vieira, Kai Havertz, and Leandro Trossard. David Raya, if made permanent, Gabriel Martinelli, and William Saliba are considered homegrown due to their long association with English clubs before turning 21.
Thus, Arsenal are well within the 17-player limit for non-homegrown players and can retain players like Jesus, Zinchenko, and Partey while adding new stars from abroad. Edu has the flexibility to pursue top targets without breaching regulations, although financial constraints still apply.