The Telegraph report that the Football Association are set to introduce the new work permit rules proposed earlier this year, which could be good news for Arsenal.
Under the new system, the more minutes you give to English-qualified players, the more currently-ineligible overseas players you can sign outside of the work permit points system.
The FA’s proposal allows clubs who give English-qualified players 35% or more of their minutes to sign four overseas players who couldn’t otherwise get a work permit.
Clubs in the 30-35% bracket are allowed three players, and below that you’re allowed two players.
Looking at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta gave 11,670 minutes to English or England-eligible players in the Premier League campaign, split between Ramsdale, White, Holding, Smith Rowe, Nwaneri, Saka, Nketiah, and Nelson.
That’s 31% of Arsenal’s Premier League minutes for the season, meaning the Gunners qualify for an extra spot and will be allowed to sign three players who couldn’t get a work permit under the previous system.
The Gunners should find it just as easy to hit those marks in the coming seasons.
Saka, Ramsdale, and White look likely to remain nailed-on starters, there’s strong interest in Declan Rice, and the likes of Nelson (if he stays), Nketiah, and Smith Rowe could easily be involved a lot more.
That’s before we look at the next generation, with Reuell Walters often in the Premier League squad in the final weeks of the season, and talented youngsters like Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly sure to get chances if they stay.
The Gunners should be well-placed to hit the FA’s new targets and grab themselves some extra spots for promising overseas talents.