The transfer window may only just have opened, but Arsenal have already been heavily active with regards to recalling academy players from loan.
So far Harry Clarke, Nikolaj Moller and Jonathan Dinzeyi have all returned to Arsenal, although the expectation is that all three could soon be on the move again.
Clarke spent the first half of the season on loan at Ross County, where he produced some impressive performances. The defender, who can play at centre-back or right-back, is expected to join Hibernian on loan, although it appears possible that the move could become permanent in the summer if all goes well.
Swedish striker Moller, meanwhile, had a difficult time at German third division side Viktoria Koln as he struggled to command a regular starting berth in the league. It remains to be seen what will happen next for Moller, but given his height and aerial ability it seems as if he would be well suited to a loan spell in the English lower leagues. It is, though, a possibility that he could spend the remainder of the season playing for Arsenal U23s.
Dinzeyi was at Carlisle United but received very little playing time and the centre-back doesn’t appear to have a long term future at Arsenal given that he is 22 years old and his contract expires in the summer. Arsenal will now look to find Dinzeyi another loan deal to see out the rest of the season.
There have also been suggestions that goalkeeper Tom Smith, who was on loan at Welling United, has been recalled after he suffered an injury earlier in the campaign.
In addition there is the possibility that other loan deals could be cut short, with the most significant case being that of Tyreece John-Jules, who has frequently been left out of the matchday squad at Blackpool.
Overall, it is set to be a very eventful month for the academy in terms of arranging new loan deals for players who have returned and also attempting to find temporary clubs for others who are going out on loan for the first time.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Any chance Azeez to be recalled as his game time with pompey has been limited
I think he will stay there as he has played quite a lot recently even though he was an unused sub yesterday.
Do you think John Jules anywhere near where he could challenge for any possible roles up top?
He could possibly be okay in cup games but I don’t think he’s ready for the Premier League. He needs a productive loan in the Championship first.
Where will Balogun & Azeez (if recalled) end up? Any news!?
Its better we use clarke as bkup to tomi n sell cedric