Former Arsenal midfielder Stefan Schwarz believes the Emirates would be a good destination for Kobbie Mainoo if the Englishman is to leave Manchester United.
Mainoo burst onto the scene for United during the 2023/24 season. Having come through the academy, the Red Devils looked to have produced another successful homegrown talent.
Despite such a positive start to his footballing career, the 20-year-old expressed his desire to leave Old Trafford over the summer, with his position in the squad lacking security.
United manager Ruben Amorim has favoured a midfield duo this season, with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes guiding the team. This has left Mainoo with only 138 minutes played in the new campaign.
Chelsea were linked with the young midfielder over the summer, but Arsenal have since emerged as a potential future club. Schwarz believes it could be a beneficial move for Mainoo.
He told Hajper: “Kobbie Mainoo’s links to Arsenal? Arsenal have the best conditions for young players. And they have a manager in Mikel Arteta that is not afraid to give responsibility to them and give them opportunities when he feels they are ready.
“It's just about preparing them in the best way and that's what Arsenal have done very well the last couple of years.”
Arteta is frequently praised for his ability to bring young academy players up to the first team.Bukayo Saka has become the Gunners’ starboy under Arteta, with the Spaniard refining Saka's role on the wing and building the attack around him.
18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri has become a key rotation player for Arteta. Although not yet a guaranteed starter, the Arsenal manager’s faith in Nwaneri was rewarded last season, with the youngster scoring nine goals and providing two assists in his breakout year.
15-year-old Max Dowman became the youngest player ever to feature in a Champions League game when Arteta brought him on in the club's 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague.
One of Mainoo's key qualities is his calmness and maturity in midfield. Unfortunately, the youngster appears to have lost much of the responsibility Erik ten Hag once placed on him.
Amorim seems to prefer a ‘safer’ duo with the experienced Casemiro and Fernandes. But if Mainoo was to move to Arsenal this winter, Arteta would likely reinstate that level of responsibility on the 20-year-old.
His performances at United earned him a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England team. Again, the England manager trusted Mainoo enough to start him in the 2024 Euros final against Spain.
Mainoo's contract with United expires in 2027. The midfielder is reportedly interested in a loan move this season and has put new contract talks on hold for the time being.
