Arsenal have confirmed that defender Semi Ajayi has joined Championship side Cardiff on loan.
The 21 year old’s future has been up in the air somewhat after he had trials at Sunderland back in January but the expected loan move then did not happen.
He has been playing regularly for the youth sides, and made the bench on a number of occasions this season, but with the capture of Brazilian Gabriel he has slipped futher down the pecking order.
The move could well be a precursor to a permanent deal as he only signed a two year deal with the club when he joined from Charlton in the summer of 2013, so is eligible to leave on a free at the end of June.
Anyway, good luck to him, and after seeing what a Coq can do at Charlton, Cardiff will be hoping a good Semi will help stiffen up their defence between now and the end of the season.
I laughed out loud at the last two lines.
It’s a shame, I remember him shunning the Nigeria setup so that he could stay at Arsenal in hope of getting a game in the Capital One Cup.
Also, his first name has enormous potential for puns.
Hate to be a killjoy, but it’s actually pronounced ‘Shay-mi’. But go to town on the spelling, of course.
Semi on you for pointing that out and trying to spoil everyone’s fun
Ajayi’m just trying to kill this pun thread before it starts.
Another youth product bites the dust
Not really an AFC youth product as he’s only been with us 2 years.
doesnt he look very similar to Diaby? i hope the similarity just ends with ability and skill, not the medical bench!
Well hopefully he wont ever be cunted by a dan smith and then maybe he will hopefully have half the career that diaby should have had
Are you Andre Marriner?
The best of luck to Shay- mi…… lets give him the playing time but keep him, renew his contract for another couple of years. Why not, makes sense to me?
He’s a Nigerian from my “Yoruba” tribe. I really wish one of our own could make it at Arsenal and represent all Yoruba folks which would of course be a source of pride for all of us. Anyway, I wish him all the best wherever he finds himself.
I think Chuba is Yoruba too but I’m not certain. My mum’s Igbo so I should ask her.
Akpom’s Igbo. Probably.
or not. possibly a gunner.
Sweet
I think the youth system in england is greatly flawed players should be given time as soon as they hit 21 teams seems to give up on their development if they’re not performing greatly… Look at Spain they take time to nurture their talents… And the club team benefit from that too
In spain their league is so unbalanced that in 25-40% of games against the smaller teams, the bigger teams can play youths and still be confident of winning. In the PL no one has that confidence as the teams are all much closer.
Benik Afobe has gone to Wolves for goods. Chuba Akpom is going to Northinham Forest or has gone and Semi Ajayi is now to leave for Cardiff City with only 6Championship games left to play this season? Has the boss suddenly decided to clear out his Nigerian youth contingents to avoid having to release them for African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in the near future? Or what is behind his pushing out his talented Nigerian youths who are likely to star for Arsenal and the Super Eagles of Nigeria sooner or later? Save Chuba Akpom who is still being… Read more »
Calm down. Arsenal are not clearing out youth based on nationality and perceived issues with the ACF. Its all based on quality, potential and squad space.
Have you asked yourself why all the major tournaments are every 4 years except the AFCON? Why would you want a player that leaves for a month in the middle of your season? Needs to change. That said, I think Akpom is a keeper. He moves really well and has that instinctive eye for goals.
The ACN is just a money making machine for the associations now. If they ever want it to be taken seriously then they will have to fall into line with the other majors and go to a 4 year basis.
You think Akpom is a keeper?! He is clearly best suited in a forward role. Some people are so STUPID…oh, I see…
Benik Afobe and Chuba Akpom are both English and have both played for the England junior sides. Arsene is not getting rid of players on the off chance that they might change the nation that they play for, then get Nigeria qualified for the ACON and therefore be unavailable for West Brom away in 2020.
And we still have the one v reading.
Akpom is a striker not a keeper.
I know, totally facetious and not funny but I couldn’t resist.
Did you see the Semi “lobon” the goalie? Wey hey