Throughout their illustrious history, Arsenal have always boasted one of the best academy systems in England, with its alumni including the likes of Tony Adams, Ashley Cole, Niall Quinn, David Bentley and most recently Jack Wilshere, to name but a few who have gone on to international fame.
Likewise, Arsene Wenger has proved himself a dab hand at cherry-picking youngsters from across the globe and developing them into world stars; Cesc Fabregas, Patrick Vieira and Robin van Persie are just a few examples.
Unfortunately, however, not every prodigious youngster to have walked through the north London club’s doors has proved quite so successful. They say you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs and Arsene Wenger has smashed hundreds whilst deconstructing and rebuilding his many Gunners sides.
And it’s with that in mind This Is Futbol pays homage to some of the Arsenal youngsters who inevitably failed to live up to their hype, flopping in rather spectacular fashion – with the added bonus of a quick update on where they are now.