Grimandi tells of Arsenal policy

France scout explains talent identification

By Patrick Haond   Last updated: 7th March 2008

Gilles Grimandi

Grimandi: Arsenal scout

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Arsenal scout Gilles Grimandi has spoken of the club's policy when it comes to searching for new talent.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has signed a number of exciting young players during his 11-and-a-half years in charge.

Some of Wenger's most successful purchases include: Patrick Vieira, Cesc Fabregas, Thierry Henry, Freddie Ljungberg and Nicolas Anelka.

And Grimandi, Arsenal's chief scout in France, has revealed that the club track a select number of players from their early teenage years before studying them over a lengthy period.

"Unlike other clubs, we prefer to limit and really follow only a few players," he told France Football.

"We start to oversee them when they are 16 or 17-years-old and then until 20 if needed.

"We follow them for three of four years and maybe they will sign one day."

Aliadiere

Grimandi went on to dismiss the criticism the club has received for not handing certain players opportunities.

He argues that players gain invaluable experience at the club, and used Jeremie Aliadiere's career as an example of success.

"When I hear Aliadiere is not a success, I want to say 'if all the young players have the opportunity to enjoy the same career as him, they would sign immediately'," he continued.

"He is only 24-years-old. He plays in the Premier League and scores."