Arsenal were renowned in Wenger’s early years at the club of nurturing young talent.

But in recent seasons the club have struggling to bring academy products into the first team.

The likes of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil have been bought with big money, while Arsenal broke their transfer record when landing Alexandre Lacazette in the summer.

Arsenal still have some success with their youth system - four players who started the 1-0 win over Newcastle at the weekend came up through the academy.

But Wenger says he regrets not being able to dedicate more of his attention to nurturing the next generation into the professional ranks.

“I do highly concentrate on the academy process, and what I have lost in the last 10, 12 years is I’ve had to dedicate much more time to the first team and the environment,” he said.

“The media demands for example that are huge now.

“So I have to give much more time to the first team and have a restricted availability to take care of the young boys.”

Arsenal are labouring in the Premier League this season, sitting fifth in the table.

They play Liverpool on Friday night in their last league game before Christmas.

The busy festive period could be a chance for more of Arsenal’s home-grown players to get a run out.

“I still follow up and I think it’s one of the parts of my job that I enjoy the most,” Wenger added.

“It is about giving a chance to young people. And let’s not forget that is basically what it is about in the academy.”

Discussing the key to developing a player, he said: “The first is recruitment, number two is quality of education and number three is the moment of integration into the first team.

“That final part is the most difficult nowadays.

“It goes always through me. I will decide, yes he has a chance, or yes he might not make it.”

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