[ad_pod ]

This article is part of Football FanCast's Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba's haircuts to League Two relegation battles...

When Arsenal signed Denis Suarez on loan from Barcelona back in January, it reeked of a club with little funds trying to get a player through the door just for the sake of it.

Incidentally, it was little funds that the Gunners had. Boss Unai Emery revealed that they could only sign players on loan, which is worrying from a financial aspect.

But why did the north Londoners even waste money on paying Suarez wages when they already had players in his position from the academy?

Perhaps if they had listened to Sven Mislintat before bringing Suarez to the Emirates, they would be doing better with players who they actually own instead of temporary solutions.

Check out 5 reasons why Arsenal need Wilfried Zaha in the video below...

The transfer guru, before his sudden departure, was reportedly 'dismayed' at the arrival of Suarez when he felt youngsters in the same position such as Bukayo Saka and Joe Willock should have been afforded more opportunities.

He was spot on. Suarez made just four substitute appearances and played a combined 67 minutes in what was a practically useless loan spell - the Spaniard himself admitted that he wasn't even at 50% fitness.

Mislintat was ultimately proved right about the youngsters as it was Willock who appeared in the Europa League final with Suarez nowhere to be seen - the 5 foot 10 teenager impressed hugely in his brief cameo against Chelsea and some Arsenal fans adored his performance.

The 19-year-old tends to look bright and lively whenever he appears for the Gunners, as does Saka, who made his debut for the club in the Europa League group stage last term and dazzled fans with his direct showings as well.

Arsenal need to trust these players instead of dipping into the market just for the sake of it.

Just take a look at what Liverpool have done with Trent Alexander-Arnold. Jurgen Klopp needed a right-back and threw the impressive youngster into the side - he has since become one of the league's best and is worth a whopping £72m according to Transfermarkt.

Additionally, Crystal Palace also placed their trust in a young Aaron Wan-Bissaka, before moving him on for £50m just roughly 18 months after handing him his debut. 100% profit and a sustainable business method.

Especially during a time in which finances are tight - Emery's transfer budget is believed to be just £45m - the quality in Arsenal's academy setup needs to be maximised at every opportunity.

Mislintat appeared to appreciate that and even though he went on to leave the club, his take on the Suarez situation came into fruition anyway. Maybe the failed loan move for the Spaniard won't be the only thing Arsenal go on to regret from that mid-season saga.