Arsenal defender Anna Patten has joined Aston Villa on loan for the remainder of the season. Anna rejoined Arsenal from the US last January after three years stateside on a scholarship.
Since returning to the club, she has found opportunities difficult to come by with Noelle Maritz the firm choice at right-back and with Lotte Wubben-Moy, Leah Williamson, Jen Beattie, Viki Schnaderbeck, Simone Boye and Steph Catley all options at centre-half.
It is perhaps a surprise move with Leah Williamson injured and Lisa Evans also out on loan, leaving Arsenal short of natural cover at right-back. Steph Catley will also be taking part in the Asia Cup with Australia at the end of this month. The move will increase speculation that Arsenal would be open to adding another defender in January.
With this move, I think we’re signing at least one defender this month (provides rb) cuz we have no any backup rb left after Pattern is on loan and steph will be absent for the Asian Cup. It’s impossible they cut the size pf the squad at this stage with big competitions ahead.
Seems like they’re making moves quietly and news will only be out until the deals are confirmed. Have a feeling announcements will keep coming and be made soon. Let’s wait and see!
It’s like the time when they loan lisa out for signing Tobin and Paris. So pretty sure we’re signing someone at the back.
Had an ‘oh no’ when I originally saw this on Twitter and thought it was permanent.
Good move, she definitely needs game time.
Probably a good move for Anna. She needs game time.
Any ideas who we will be signing then?
No name yet but am pretty sure a defender is coming in. Maybe one other player too.
Come on, Tim, there has got to be some gossip on a signing, don’t hold out on us!
Jule Brand perhaps? Or a Barca defender! 🙂
From Anna’s perspective, it is absolutely needed. And in a long term also for Arsenal. She hasn’t played nearly enough to develop to next level and it has been quite obvious that Jonas has played her only then he hasn’t had any other options.
Unless Leah, Jen, Simone and Viki are all fit and/or a couple of top notch signings are secured it seems quite odd to confirm Anna’s loan first.
When she has played Anna has always looked more than confident and done a good job with an obvious passion for the club. Certainly she needs more game time to continue to improve so perhaps this loan is best for all concerned.
Guessing with these longer term loan arrangements that there is a re-call clause if injuries and illness depletes the lender’s ranks?
How much longer is Noelle’s loan ?
Strike That.
When is Noelle’s Contract up ?