With the closure of the transfer window rapidly approaching there are still many players in the Arsenal U21 squad who are in need of moves elsewhere, either permanently or on loan.
The only departure from the U21s so far came at the start of the month, when Josh Robinson secured a permanent switch to Wigan Athletic.
Another defender, Zane Monlouis, is a candidate for a move before Monday night, with the centre-back having amassed over 70 appearances for Arsenal at U21 level.
Forward Khayon Edwards finds himself in the same situation, while midfielder Jimi Gower could potentially go on loan for the first time.
Jack Henry-Francis and Charles Sagoe Jr are back at Arsenal after loan spells at Sligo Rovers and Shrewsbury Town respectively, and it is possible that they could be loaned out again if suitable destinations can be found.
In addition, centre-back Maldini Kacurri has expressed his desire for a loan move after excelling for the U21s of late. Winger Ismeal Kabia is another player who could benefit from a loan.
Meanwhile, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and Salah-Eddine are in need of senior football but it remains to be seen whether the pair, who were unused substitutes against Girona in the Champions League last night, will stay at Arsenal.
It remains to be seen whether any of the aforementioned players will be able to secure moves before the deadline but it is important to create space in the U21 squad for some of the talented U18s to step up.
It is also expected that Ayden Heaven will complete his move to Manchester United before Monday night.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Hi Jeorge,
Thank you as always for your articles on Arsenal’s academy!
It seems to me that there is going to be a lot of turnover at U23 level with established players likely leaving in June (Butler-Oyedeji, Salah-Eddine, Heaven, Edwards, etc.)
How do you see next season? Is this going to be a « transition » year with lots of new faces who will need time to adapt ? What about Mehmet Ali? Any indication that he might not be there in September ?
Thanks in advance
Yes I think there will be significant changes in the summer with a lot of players leaving.
There are a lot of talented players in the U18s (Clarke, Casey, Harriman-Annous etc) who are ready to step up to the U21s and some of them have already been involved at that level.
I think Mehmet Ali will probably still be in charge, although nothing is guaranteed.
Always interested in your posts Jeorge. This feels like a bit of an exodus, and I wonder if it is a result of players like MLS and Ethan getting into the first team, and the lads believing they are stagnating. Also, would love to know if you think it is worrying that United seem to be hoovering up some of our youth players.
I think a lot of these players were probably due to leave anyway because of their age.
It is concerning about United signing two of our best prospects but if players feel that they will get more opportunities elsewhere then sometimes there isn’t much that you can do.
Good post Jeorge, I think it was you on your blog who has previously mentioned that there’s a great crop of youngsters primed to move up into the U18’s next season which in turn means many in the current U18’s need to step up to the U21’s to progress. Therefore quite a few of the more senior Academy lads need to maybe have to go elsewhere to further their careers, this is just a normal process, it’s always happened and it what occurs at other clubs and shouldn’t be viewed as a failure, not many academy lads are going to… Read more »