Miguel Azeez joined Portsmouth on loan this week and the move could be hugely beneficial for the midfielder’s overall development.
Azeez has impressed at U23 level for Arsenal with his slick passes but still tends to dwell on the ball for too long at times and he will hopefully be able to address that issue during his stint with Portsmouth.
If the youngster can feature prominently in League One then it would put him in a good position to challenge for a place in the Arsenal first-team squad next season, but it was certainly the correct decision to send him on loan as this campaign he would have been unlikely to feature due to the Gunners not be involved in European football.
Another player who went out on loan this week is Jonathan Dinzeyi, with the defender having headed to Carlisle United in League Two.
A surprise signing last year following his release from Tottenham Hotspur, Dinzeyi was heavily involved for Arsenal U23s but wasn’t particularly impressive.
The 21-year-old is gaining his first major experience of senior football and it is possible that this temporary move could be the springboard to a permanent departure elsewhere.
It was a little surprising that further players from the U23 squad didn’t go on loan. The likes of Ben Cottrell, Zak Swanson, Joel Lopez, Tim Akinola and James Olayinka among others would all have benefitted from a spell elsewhere but will now have to wait until January for a loan move.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
I know I’m talking about the senior team now but I’m really concerned that either Nketiah didn’t leave for money or Balogun didn’t leave on loan.
It doesn’t bode well for either player.
Agreed, with Auba, Laca and probably Martinelli in front of them and maybe a signing next summer, no Europe and the cups being extra important this season hard to see where they’ll get games.
Championship or lower Prem loan would have given them the chance to push for starting st next season.
I’m surprised Balagun didn’t go out on loan
Is it still the case that the window for loan moves to lesser divisions continues for another month?
Otherwise we have to choose between freezing out Eddie and him leaving on a free or really pissing off one of our brightest young talents.
I suppose MA doesn’t trust Auba too much this season or wants to reduce dependency on him…
I was wondering the same. Can Jeorge /anyone give an informed answer on that?
I don’t think that the extended loan rule for EFL clubs is in operation anymore, unfortunately.
Balogun must be kicking himself for signing that new contract
I can see no value in him being here, we should have sent him to the Championship to gain experience
Lacazette is likely leaving next summer, a good season away, could have seen him claim the No9 shirt
Now he’s going the way of Nelson, with his career stagnating
Nketiah should be kicking his agent, he had a good opportunity to go to Palace, now he’ll be stagnating in the stands
Surprised there wasn’t more interest in him
I think the point here is that he may use Balogun as LWF on occasions, he’s fighting with Martinelli for that bench spot and things are clearer for him with Willian and Nelson out of the picture. Nketiah is looking for a pay day and I don’t blame him for not signing a new deal, leaves us space to buy a long term CF in Jan or next year with Martinelli and Balogun as understudies.
I wouldn’t write him off just yet. He’s had one game and was poor but got so little service and the team were shite. He could come on against Norwich, we are playing well and he has a blinder. He’s looked very good at times. More will be revealed. I am gutted we couldn’t get a few quid for nketia who has proved he doesn’t have it at the level we require.
Balagoun made some clever runs in brentford game. Some nice touches as well.
I have a feeling we will see a repeat of Joe Willock. He’ll go in January when the EPL table has taken shape, and we are probably out of the Carabao cup.
I hope playing competitively in rough amd tumble League One will see Azeez’ development elevate to the next level. He’s a very promising talent.
Also, interested to see how our U-23 team does this year since the core starters will likely include our 18/19 year old prospects: Hutchinson, Patino, Taylor Hart, Norton-Cuffy. Hope their development progresses as well.