The next free agent to fall under our microscope is Arsenal academy graduate Tom Cruise.
The next free agent to fall under our microscope is Arsenal academy graduate Tom Cruise
The famed academy ranks at Arsenal have produced their fair share of top talent down the years, and Tom Cruise could prove to be another Gunners success story. He will, however, be forced to fulfil his potential away from the Emirates after injury robbed him of the opportunity to earn a new contract this summer. He is, however, still regarded as one for the future and is not expected to be available for long. He can boast limited Football League experience from a loan spell at Carlisle, but can claim to have played in the UEFA Champions League and has represented England at U16, U17 and U19 level.
Is it worrying being an out of contract player in the current climate or has it become part and parcel of the modern game and something you have to accept?
Yes, this summer there are over 700 players who haven't got a club so it is part of the modern game. I'm sure of getting a new contract elsewhere, as I have full confidence in my ability.
Is it something that needs to be addressed in the modern game, as more and more players are now out of contract - especially young players?
I'm sure that holding a place in a squad has always been difficult but now it has become even more competitive because there are so many players from abroad playing in England.
How have you approached the summer, is it just a case of sitting tight or are you being proactive?
Personally, I have been concentrating hard on getting my fitness, after having an operation in April. But, obviously my agent has been in talks with other clubs regarding a contract.
Do you have an idea as to the standard you would like to play at? Premier League, Championship?
Ideally I would like to play Premiership, but realistically I would probably drop down a league or two to get games and play regularly and prove what I can do. If that is the case, I'm sure I have the ability to do well and progress to a higher level.
Would you be prepared to relocate? You have to go where the contracts are don't you?
Yes, definitely. If I have to move, I'm happy to do so as I just want to be playing football again. There are offers on the table but it's a case of picking the right club at this moment in time.
What do you feel you would offer prospective employers? What are your best attributes?
I'm hard working, reliable, a good passer with either foot. Technically I think I'm good and I can play in various positions. I have experience at international level from ages 15 to 20 and I played first-team football for Arsenal in the Champions League. I'm hungry to succeed and I want to keep on developing and improving as a player and want to ensure that I can fulfil my potential.
Do you feel that coming through the ranks at Arsenal will benefit you, given the high profile of their academy system?
Definitely, the technical level at Arsenal's academy is second to none and lots of ex-Arsenal players have gone on to have good careers. Maybe young players should stay for a minimum of two years, so they have less pressure and have more time to develop. For instance, last year I signed a one-year contract extension and was injured for the majority of the season, which stopped me from showing what I can do. But I was at Arsenal for 13 years and am grateful to them for everything.
To see the full list of players currently available as free agents, provided by the PFA, click
here.
We would like to hear your thoughts on the best free transfers out there. Who should we be talking to? Who are this summer's bargains? Who should your club be targeting?
Maybe you are a player that would like to be featured, or an agent looking to get a client fixed up for next season.
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