While many (Cesc Fabregas included) have bemoaned Arsenal’s over-reliance on youth this season, stating that experienced players should have been drafted into the squad, there’s one particular person who feels that some of Arsene Wenger’s colts are starting to blossom and bear fruit. Indeed, this former Highbury favourite goes as far as to state that the Gunners will clinch the Premier League title this season, conveniently forgetting there are three other teams that stand in their way.

Setanta report that Robert Pires likes what he sees at the Emirates, claiming that the youngsters are now starting to mature. The Frenchman is now plying his trade with Villarreal, and although he tips his own team to triumph in the Champions League, he reserved many kind words for his former club.

“Arsenal’s young players are like fruits that have ripened,” Pires told setantasports.com. “I feel like they matured, grew up and when I watch them, I see a lot of allure.

“Something is for sure – they are going to win the league this season. But I did not say they are going to win the Champions League, because we at Villarreal are going to do so.

“To finish, I would say ‘Come on Arsenal’.

“Mika (Silvestre) is a great lad and a talented defender so for sure his addition to the squad should be seen as good news for the fans,” he added.

“Unfortunately, he got injured as soon as he arrived at the club, which it is not the perfect start you expect. But he is one of the most professional players you would see around and, to me, there is no doubt he is a good signing.”

It’s clear that the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Gael Clichy and Denilson have all progressed nicely through the ranks and are now first-team regulars, although a few injuries tends to leave the Arsenal squad looking a little threadbare. Do supporters agree with Bobby Pires that the young guns have matured, or are too many of them still wet behind the ears?

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