Arsenal icon Ray Parlour was recently interviewed by JBI Training – in the interview, he spoke on a number of Arsenal’s current youngsters.

He spoke on Ethan Nwaneri – he is very pleased that the Gunners have been able to tie him down with a new deal, feeling that it ‘would have been a shame’ had he chosen to move.

Parlour touched upon the situation with Folarin Balogun – while the American seems set on leaving the club, Parlour would like to see him be given a chance in the first team under Mikel Arteta.

Additionally, he also gave his thoughts on Emile Smith Rowe. He acknowledged the young man’s talents, but stressed that he will ‘need to show a positive attitude’ moving forward.

What did Arsenal legend Ray Parlour have to say regarding Emile Smith Rowe?

On Emile Smith Rowe, Parlour said: “Emile needs to keep showing Arteta that he is ready to go. If he is given a chance in the team, he needs to grab it with both hands and play as well as he can because then he knows that he could possibly keep his place in and play in the next game.

“He needs to keep showing Mikel Arteta that he can trust him when he needs him. He will need to show a positive attitude when he isn’t in the team and that he is willing to bide his time until he is given a chance.

“My advice would be that I know it can be frustrating when you’re not playing, but you have to be patient and wait for the opportunity and take it when it’s given. The hardest part is taking that chance, but with the right application and attitude, I am certain he will get it next season.”

What did Parlour say regarding the Folarin Balogun situation?

Regarding the transfer situation surrounding Balogun, Parlour had this to say: “Folarin Balogun can definitely offer Arsenal something different in the striker role. He is a big, tall guy. He has a good build. He did really well in France last year. I know that the level in France is a little bit lower than the Premier League, but he was still banging the goals in. He is a confident player and character.

“Everyone will be given an opportunity and he will have to show Mikel Arteta that he is ready to be part of his squad next season. I like the desire from the player.”

What did say about Ethan Nwaneri?

On Ethan Nwaneri’s new deal, Parlour said: “It’s great news that he has agreed to sign with Arsenal. There were a lot of clubs trying to sign him. It would have been a shame for Arsenal to have done so much hard work in terms of his development if they lost him because he is a player with so much potential.

“I’m sure that Mikel Arteta has got massive plans for his future. I expect him to develop the player gradually, a little bit like how Arsène developed Jack Wilshere.”