The January transfer window is just about a week away and all the focus is on what the first team will do. However, the youth side have a plan for our youngsters as well and Mikel Arteta has given the green light to send seven players out on loan next month.
The Hale End academy has given rise to a number of gems over the years. Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka have made the most headlines over the last two seasons, but there are plenty more talented players who could breakthrough into the senior side in the near future.
With no European competition, Arteta cannot offer any opportunities to most of our young talents. Hence, he wants to send a few of them out on loan to see them play week in, week out.
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7 Arsenal youngsters Arteta wants to send out on loan in January
Football London revealed today that Arteta and academy boss Per Mertesacker have decided to loan out as many as seven talented young Arsenal players until the end of the season.
Here’s a look at all of them…
Folarin Balogun
The young American is undoubtedly the next big thing at Arsenal. Arteta has given him a few opportunities in the first team already, but he needs to play every game, and a loan spell away will do him a world of good.
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Balogun has scored 15 goals in 17 appearances for the youth sides already this season. He’s too good for the junior level now, which makes a loan move next month the best thing for all parties.
James Olayinka
A lot was expected of Olayinka when he was coming through the ranks at Arsenal, but injuries have been really cruel on him. He’s yet to play for the first team, but there is a belief that he can make it at the Emirates one day.
The 21-year-old, who can play anywhere in midfield and on the right flank, has had two loan spells at Southend United and Northampton Town already. He’s set for another one next month and hopefully, he can show what he’s got.
Omar Rekik
Per Mertesacker went above and beyond to sign the Tunisian from Hertha Berlin last year. Rekik was given a chance in pre-season by Arteta and he performed fairly well. However, he’s a long way off the first team at the moment.
The 20-year-old is a really talented central defender. The Arsenal youngster has the quality to make it at the top level and a loan spell where he’ll play every week could help him develop quickly.
Ryan Alebiosu
Alebiosu only turned 20 a few days ago and he’s hugely versatile. He is naturally a right-back who can also play on the opposite side, but most of his appearances this season have come as a right-winger.
The 20-year-old has picked up six assists in 10 starts for the youth side this term. There is a lot of potential for him to become a fine player, but he still has a lot to learn. Hopefully, a loan spell will help him do just that.
Ben Cottrell
Unlike most players on this list, Cottrell has played for the Arsenal first-team already. It was only a 13-minute cameo in the Europa League against Dundalk, but it shows that Arteta has an eye on him.
An attacking midfielder by trade, Cottrell is highly rated behind the scenes at Arsenal. He was made available for a loan in the summer, but a move could not materialise. Mertesacker will be hoping that one can be arranged next month.
Zak Swanson
The American-born Englishman is definitely one young player we should all keep an eye on. Swanson can play anywhere across the backline and in defensive midfield as well.
Still only 20, his potential is massive, but he needs the experience of playing every week to develop. A loan move next month would be perfect for him, and it won’t be a surprise to see multiple clubs line up to secure his services.
