There have been a significant amount of outgoings from Arsenal’s U21 squad and we are still in June.
It had been clear for some time that there were far too many youngsters at the club and the process has started of trying to move some of those players on, while it is also anticipated that a host of prospects will go on loan as usual.
Matt Smith, George Lewis, Tom Smith and Joel Ideho will all officially become free agents when their contracts expire on July 1st, while Zach Awe has turned down the offer of a new deal and seems likely to depart.
Striker Nikolaj Moller has joined St. Gallen on a permanent deal, with defender Mazeed Ogungbo heading to Barrow.
In terms of loan moves, Catalin Cirjan has moved to Rapid Bucharest, who have the option to sign him permanently if all goes well.
It is anticipated that there will be many more departures before the end of August, with the likes of Tim Akinola, Tyreece John-Jules, Ben Cottrell, James Hillson, Ryan Alebiosu and Charlie Patino amongst those who could leave permanently.
In terms of loan moves, Mika Biereth, Marcelo Flores, Zane Monlouis, Jack Henry-Francis, Salah-Eddine and Omar Rekik could head out on temporary transfer amongst many others.
Even if all of those players leave Arsenal should still have enough players to field a strong U21 side, with many prospects ready to step up from the U18s.
It promises to be a very busy summer for the academy in terms of outgoings.
—
Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Anything about Azeez?
A decision hasn’t been made on him yet. Could be a permanent move or another loan.
Apart from Henry Francis, every other player there should be sold off, so that we have fresh ideas
Although inevitable, I always feel sad to see the academy players let go. In most cases, it a dream that won’t come true.
what about brooke norton-cuffy? is he likely to be integrated into the 1st team squad this year?
I think he will probably go on loan again but could train with the first-team in pre-season.
Hi Jeorge, Any update on the Ethan Nwaneri situation with Man city/Chelsea trying to poach? Also do you reckon Arteta will take the likes of Sousa or Cozier-Duberry on Tour to the USA? I know they join first team training alot, so would be keen to see them play alongside our regulars in pre-season. I think we were all a bit disappointed that year when Arteta took the likes of Torriera and Maitland Niles over Patino and Huchinson etc….think that played a role in their respective decisions to leave the club….here’s hoping we dont get a repeat of that! Cheers… Read more »
It looks like Nwaneri will stay now according to Fabrizio Romano.
Sousa, Cozier-Duberry, Walters and Bandeira deserve a chance in pre-season but I’m not completely sure if they will be involved yet. It might depend on how quickly some of the first-team players who are back from loan are moved on.
Thanks for the reply and insight jeorge, it’s much appreciated 👍
Gonna keep a closer eye on banderia and Walters….didn’t realise they were on the edge of breaking through too.
Fingers crossed we can move players on as quickly as we have been bringing them in, so the younger lads get a look in.
Between havertz, rice and now nwaneri, what a few days it’s been !
Buzzing already for next season !
Thanks Jeorge
Any idea where the club would target the loan? Would another season in the Championship be seen as beneficial, or will they target lower prem sides or overseas?
Surprised about Patino, many had him pegged as a one with a bright future with us.
I think there are 2 things going on with Patino. 1. he doesn’t want to be loaned again and wants to find a longer-term home and 2. people at the club act generally don’t hold him in quite the same regard as his wider hype/reputation.
Maybe also it is that we cannot integrate every good young prospect into the first team, so selling them for a good price is not the worst solution for the club. Like Krystian Bielik for example.
Where is Tom Cruise?
At the Mission Impossible premiere?
Unless there is a new youngster with that name, I think the “old” one retired few years ago because of injuries.
Rambo has left us too.
So does Pires actually work for the club now in an official coaching capacity?
No, his twin does
Yesss
@JeorgeBird. Can you comment more on patino? Has he underperformed this year? He seems like the one on this list I wouldn’t want to see go.