So far in this transfer window Arsenal haven’t sent many players out on loan with striker Stephy Mavididi, who has joined Preston North End, only the fourth player to head for a temporary stint elsewhere following Takuma Asano (Stuttgart), Marc Bola (Bristol Rovers) and Emiliano Martinez (Getafe).
As deadline day draws ever closer, however, it is likely that several more Arsenal players will be sent out on loan for either six months or a full season. Here’s a look at the individuals that could fall into that category.
One player who will almost certainly be going on loan is Kelechi Nwakali, with the talented Nigerian midfielder still yet to obtain a work permit that would enable him to play competitively in England.
Having caught the eye with MVV Maastricht in the Dutch second tier last season there have been suggestions that Nwakali could link up with a German club this time around.
Another midfielder, Ismael Bennacer, could go on loan again having impressed for Tours in Ligue 2 in the second half of last season.
Defender Tafari Moore, meanwhile, has been rather overlooked at U23 level this pre-season, suggesting that his future lies away from the club. A fruitful loan spell could help him to secure a permanent move elsewhere.
With the first-team having several centre-backs at their disposal, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise if Krystian Bielik, who produced some outstanding displays for Birmingham City last season, was to spend at least part of the season elsewhere.
Fellow centre-back Julio Pleguezuelo, having gained experience at Mallorca last campaign, may also go on loan once more.
Another Spaniard, midfielder Jon Toral, appears no closer to making the breakthrough into the Arsenal first-team and surely wouldn’t be content to spend the season playing for the U23s, so he too could head elsewhere.
Defender Ben Sheaf, midfielder Savvas Mourgos and winger Aaron Eyoma could also go on loan, with Arsenal having plenty of younger players ready to step into the U23 squad if required.
With regards to first-team players, striker Chuba Akpom could be sent on loan if he can’t secure a permanent move elsewhere, while Carl Jenkinson and Mathieu Debuchy, who have been playing for the U23s recently, may be loaned before the end of the month.
Midfielder Jeff Reine-Adelaide would certainly benefit from a loan spell, but the Frenchman could well be retained if he is part of Arsenal’s plans in the Europa League.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of http://arsenalyouth.wordpress.com/, follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Feel a bit sorry for Toral. Think he did a good job out on loan in the last seasons. Thought he would get a chance this season, but with all the competition in his position it seems like he’s another highly rated prospect that unfortunately won’t make it at the Arsenal. Hope he’ll make a good career nevertheless.
Very interesting that Willock got a spot over Toral in the preseason squads.
And the Jeff was nowhere to be seen in this preseason. Missed both the trip and the Emirates cup roster. I wonder if it’s a permanent falling-out-of-favor, or the boss seeking an attitude adjustment.
I’m never ever fond that everyone are quick to jump to “maybe attitude problem”. It might be the case with Jeff, but certainly not the case with Toral. It’s almost people conclude that if Wenger doesn’t pick you then you’ve done something wrong. Never want to admit that sometimes, like with all humans, Wenger has his flaws in that he has his favourites and whom he has chosen he will spend time on developing, and those, who could be just as good (if not better), are cast aside. Wouldn’t be the first time either. It’s a shame, as Toral could… Read more »
Agreed, I know it’s too early but man o man why didn’t Wenger just walk away for God’s sake!
Wenger could’ve opted to be a bit shrewd here & loaned out Theo & Wilshere as both seem to be surplus given the positions they play in. Iwobi & Lucas can sub in for any injuries that we might sustain (at any point of the league) . We definitely ain’t a squad devoid of Wingers though we do need an extra creative player knowing Santi’s return is doubtful. Ergo, Arsenal to beat Chelsea 3-2 with Alexis scoring the winner. COYG.
I don’t really understand the suggestion here. Is it keep Mavididi and Lucas and loan Theo and Jack?
I have to say I don’t understand why we would do that, especially since Lucas is on record as being want-away.
The change in shape as surely had huge implications for these guys on the cusp. I wonder how this will play out long term.
There’s going to be some opportunities in the UEFA Cup for some of our youngsters so the club may decide to retain a few more of them than usual for europe and the League Cup?
Does it make sense to send out young players on loan to second tier clubs in France and the Netherlands? Even if they play well there will always be the thought that they only performed well in the second tier of a lower level League and are not good enough for Arsenal. Especially considering that even performing well at a relegation struggling club in the premier league itself is not considered good enough by the club. It seems the purpose isn’t to see if they can stake a claim as much as to add to their education and keep them… Read more »
For some of them it’s about getting a work permit (which is tough in the PL), whilst for some it’s about getting them out of their comfort zone in more than just football terms.
Whilst for some it’s just about getting regular senior game-time.
So it’s different player to player..
But is it ever about “go to VVV Mastricht or someplace like that and if you actually play well you will be part of the first team squad”?
Thats my concern. That the loan system has become sort of academic instead of being an actual way to bring players from the academy into the first team squad.
I think it makes sense if all parties agree, for whatever reason, you’re more than 1 year removed from the first team.
I.ll be a bit annoyed if we can only secure a loan move for Jenks when Palace offered 7M for him in January and Arsene said it was up to the player and he wasn.t pushing him to leave. Shudda bloody shoved him out the door
Play Toral in the Europa for goodness sake! We need a replacement for Santi eventually!!
How come players can’t get work permits to play in England but they don’t seem to struggle in the rest of Europe to get one? And why does it always seem to happen to us?
Different requirements of different countries.
It happens to lots of PL clubs.
What about Tolaji Bola? He’s been part of the England youth setup and I’d love him to be given a chance to shine at senior level, either on loan or with the senior squad.