Bould hopeful Fabregas will play in FA Cup final

Cesc Fabregas playing in this weekend’s FA Cup final would be the sign of Arsenal’s willingness to invest in youngsters, according to youth-team coach Steve Bould.

Even if Gunners boss Arsene Wenger does not select the Spanish tyro to start, the 18-year-old midfielder has been tipped for a future at the top after impressing this season.

Fabregas has made almost 50 appearances since his arrival from Barcelona at the start of last season, showing maturity in the absence of Brazil international Gilberto Silva to partner Patrick Vieira in centre-midfield.

Along with Gael Clichy, Mathieu Flamini, and Philippe Senderos, the future appears to be in good hands at Highbury. Strikers Arturo Lupoli and Quincy Owusu-Abeyie are also waiting in the wings for their opportunity.

While Fabregas has stood out this season, Bould believes there is more to come from the youth ranks Arsenal.

Bould, the former Gunners centre-back who now coaches the Under-17s, told PA Sport: “We have got a good crop and there are some individuals we feel have got what it takes. They’re obviously still young and you don’t know what is going to happen but we think the raw potential is there.

“Thankfully we’ve got some good young kids coming through. They have to reach a certain level now which is incredible.

“But the manager’s definitely looking to bring the youth in if he can, so it’s a big help to everybody at the club.”

Bould’s task is now to develop youngsters to the level of Fabregas without looking abroad for signings, something Arsenal have been criticised of recently.

Birmingham winger Jermaine Pennant suggested his opportunities were limited by the number of foreign players Wenger used, while the Gunners boss was roundly criticised for picking a squad without any English players earlier this season.

“The level that our first team has set is so high, the standards mean it is a hard job for the kids. They’re being encouraged by the club, the manager is looking at them and they have every opportunity they can to get to that level. It’s a great incentive for them," said Bould.