Arsenal’s proposed capture of Yaya Sanogo is not yet complete, but the fact that the club are so close to securing a deal for the 20-year-old striker could have significant ramifications for a forward of the same age.

Once the deal goes through it is expected that Sanogo will automatically become a member of the first-team squad, even if he may feature more heavily for the U21s during his initial months at the club. The capture of the Auxerre striker is likely to be welcomed by most, but will not exactly boost the confidence of Benik Afobe, who is currently recovering from yet another serious knee injury.

There was a time, not too long ago, when it seemed as if Afobe was destined for the first-team at Arsenal. Having demonstrated his prolific form for the U16s and U18s, as well as shining for England at youth level, the Hale End product was considered one of Arsenal’s best prospects and underlined his potential during a loan spell at Huddersfield Town, when, aged just 17, he caught the eye under the tutelage of Lee Clark.

He featured for Arsenal’s senior side during the following pre-season, but would miss the vast majority of the 2011/12 campaign due to an injury aggravated whilst playing for the Reserves against Manchester United in the first game of the season. Having played a minimal role in Reading’s promotion to the Premier League late last season, he was expected to push on this time around, but struggled during a spell with Bolton Wanderers before showing glimpses of promise with Millwall.

Then, disaster struck and Afobe is likely to miss the beginning of the forthcoming campaign, and, possibly far longer owing to yet another injury. When he returns to full fitness he could well find Sanogo, just one month his senior, ahead of him in the pecking order at the club, which could eventually lead to the end of his dream of making the grade at Emirates Stadium, especially with younger strikers Chuba Akpom and Zak Ansah also striving to make the breakthrough.

Afobe is a determined character, however, and the England U21 international will certainly not relinquish his opportunity without a fight.

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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird