How much will the departure of Omari Hutchinson cost Arsenal?
How much will the departure of Omari Hutchinson cost Arsenal?
Arsenal haven’t been short of activity in the transfer market this summer.
Following the arrivals of five exciting new talents to the Emirates, including established Premier League stars Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, it would be fair to say that most Gooners are rather satisfied with the business Mikel Arteta has conducted during the transfer window.
However, if there is one saga from the summer that will leave a sour taste in the mouth for fans, it would revolve around the loss of highly rated youngster Omari Hutchinson to bitter rivals Chelsea.
Jumping ship to the blue side of London, the 18-year-old is now inevitably the topic of disdain among supporters, becoming the latest former Arsenal player to be branded as a ‘Judas’.
However, putting emotion aside, there is still one question that needs to be asked: will the failure to keep hold of Hutchinson come back to bite the Gunners?
Yes
In terms of ability, there is no doubt that Omari Hutchinson has the potential to hit the heights of European football.
After seven years on the books at Hale End, the 18-year-old became the latest homegrown prospect to emerge through Arsenal’s academy, possessing the technical ability that grabbed people’s attention.
Although he was yet to make a competitive senior appearance for the Gunners, Hutchinson’s record at youth level had been stellar in recent years, recording 12 goal involvements in 17 Premier League 2 outings last season.
Fans were hoping the upcoming season would see Hutchinson break out as a star at the Emirates, following in the footsteps of fellow academy graduates Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe, both of whom are now regular fixtures in the Arsenal setup.
However, with the midfielder instead opting to join rivals Chelsea to further his development, Arsenal have missed their chance to turn Omari Hutchinson into the next big thing in North London – something the majority of Gooners believe the club will live to regret.
No
While the talent and potential of Omari Hutchinson cannot be understated, it is not inconceivable why Arsenal would decide to flog their youngster.
Following the club’s recent activity in the transfer window, Arsenal now have a wealth of young, promising midfield and attacking options in their ranks, adding even more depth to their front line by acquiring the services of Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira and Marquinhos.
While Hutchinson may be a Gunners youth product, few fans would favour him in midfield over the likes of newcomer Vieira, Martin Odegaard or Emile Smith-Rowe, meaning opportunities would be sparse for the player.
Hutchinson was also entering his final year of his contract, and with the 18-year-old reportedly sceptical about an extension due to a lack of playtime, it makes sense that Arsenal were keen to cash in on the starlet before it was too late.
Furthermore, the Gunners also managed to insert a sell-on fee in the Hutchinson deal, with the incentive that the club could receive a healthy cash windfall down the line possibly helping to push the transfer through.
Although Hutchinson was far from the ‘dead wood’ that needed moving on this summer, it appears Arsenal have been realistic about the Jamaican international’s situation at the club, choosing to collect a fee for their academy product now rather than simply lose him for nothing in 12 months’ time.
Verdict
While attacking midfield spots are hard to come by in the Arsenal squad at the moment, Hutchinson could’ve easily furthered his development on loan this season, while remaining under the banner of Arsenal Football Club.
However, due to unresolved contractual issues, Chelsea were able to pounce on Hutchinson’s vulnerable situation, snatching the talent away from the Gunners and costing them one of their potential future stars.
The failure of Arsenal to secure the future of Hutchinson stunk of short sightedness, and the resulting transfer to their rivals looks sure to haunt them in years to come.
Once such an exciting talent that looked primed to burst onto the big stage in Arsenal red, fans will now only be able to watch on as Hutchinson looks to thrive in Chelsea blue.
