Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce has revealed they'll lean heavily on signings from Arsenal next season.

"It's right that we're looking at their younger players," Bruce told the Wigan Observer. "It's a huge ask for a young player to break into Arsenal's team.

"You're always looking for a Larsson, a Pennant or an Upson. We did our homework and when one became available we knew exactly who they were.

"They always thought they'd get a good grounding and a good education. I hope it continues and I can get a couple up here at Wigan.

"Keith Bertschin (Wigan reserve team coach) is a big friend of Steve Bould (head of Arsenal's U18s).

"Then there's the association with me and (Arsenal chief scout) Steve Rowley.

"I played with Neil Banfield when I was 18 and he's in charge of their reserves.

"There will always be good, young players at the big clubs who aren't going to get a game. But they'll be good enough for Wigan."