In recent times the Premier League has been injected with talent from Southampton football club. Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott are the most notable success stories and the St Mary’s production line has not suddenly stopped producing young starlets that are the envy of all of the English top flight.
The latest prospect to emerge is Luke Shaw and the rise of the England u-17 left back has not escaped the radars of the Premier League’s top four.
Ever since he made his debut against Millwall in a fourth round FA Cup replay, in January 2012, his development ever since has been spectacular. When promotion followed for the South coast outfit last season and trust to permanently fill the left back slot Shaw took the opportunity with both hands.
This has not escaped the notice of both Arsenal and Chelsea as there is now a clamour to capture one of English football’s most prized assets. Southampton may not be in a position where they have to sell like they have been in times gone by, but you still suspect money talks.
Shaw has shown no desperation to leave and not so long signed a new 5 year deal but his application and technical ability has illustrated he could very well be capable of mixing it with the best.
Would it suit the young prodigy to move to Chelsea or Arsenal this summer though?
It certainly will not be an easy decision for Luke Shaw to make with gaining and experience and first team appearances crucial whilst he is not fully established.
He may have shown that he is more than capable of holding his own on the Premier League stage but whether he can hold the mantle of the Champions League at this point in time is another matter.
Should he desire such a move though it is up for debate whether a move to North or West London would be the right switch for the 6ft 1 left back?
At the Emirates Shaw would be sure to be in safe hands under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger. He has been there and done it with Southampton youngsters with Oxlade-Chamberlain and Walcott who currently remain pivotal aspects of the starting XI
The Arsenal boss has also expressed an interest in signing the 17 year old and after moulding Ashley Cole into the fine full back he has turned out to be, Shaw could be the next defender he turns into a world class star.
Wenger also appears to be building an English spine to the “new” Arsenal as he finally looks to take Arsenal out of the trophy less doldrums. Wilshere may be the focal point of this attack but Shaw could be part of an exciting future for the Gunners.
A move to Arsenal would not guarantee success. They have may achieved 15 years of consecutive Champions League football, but they are not flush with silverware.
If Shaw were to choose this project it would be a risk in so much a “glory” move away from St Mary’s may not reap any tangible reward.
He may also want to consider that Arsene Wenger is under intense scrutiny at the Emirates and that his association with the Gunners could come to an end next season.
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Even if Wenger does survive the considerable storm brewing in North London for the foreseeable future, the desperation to succeed at Arsenal could be stifling for a young footballer.
Also he may want to consider that despite the Gunners being inefficient in several areas of the field with Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal at left back he would face fierce competition for an immediate starting berth.
Chelsea may similarly offer an unstable atmosphere as there is current managerial uncertainty and a fractious relationship between the fans and owner, but it does bear fruit.
The Blues view being in two trophies and 3rd place as a disaster currently which is a yardstick of the ambition that remains at Stamford Bridge.
Abramovich may be questioned at this current moment in time, but a summer spending spree could turn them into genuine title contenders.
Luke Shaw may not be moulded and carefully sculpted as he would at The Emirates but he could be certain that he in the next few years he could emerge as first choice left back every week.
Ashley Cole may be too difficult to oust in a first season at Stamford Bridge but the Chelsea board are keen to pass over his torch to a young starlet sooner rather than later.
If Chelsea were to send the youngster out on loan should he struggle to instantly make an impact too he need look no further than the success of Lukaku and Courtois in their spells at other clubs this season.
He would not have to fear being thrown into the deep end of immediately having magnificence expected of him, but plenty of young prospects have gone missing at Stamford Bridge too.
Luke Shaw may want immediate success and to be primed as England’s new left back at Chelsea, but if he were to choose Arsenal he could be safeguarding his talent after all.
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