Since there is absoutely no action whatsoever on the field, i thought i would take a look at the Young Gunnners who are currently out on loan. According to the Arsenal website, we have 15 players out on loan at the moment, with loan contracts ending anytime in January till end of the season. Obviously there is no way that all these players will ever make it to the first team. Some have been in reserves and loaned out every single year so maybe it’s time for them to move on and provide some cash to fund the club. So here’s a look at those i think will make it and those who are unlikely to be around the Emirates much longer.
Benik Afobe – Huddersfield Town
- Apps: 7+2 Goals: 3
- Loan started: November 2 Loan due to end: January 8
- Last match: Huddersfield Town 2-1 Brighton
- League position: 3rd in League One
Verdict: This guy is very much a keeper. He is an outstanding talent and is already a star with the England U17 team. He is only 17 but is already knocking on the first team’s door. Arsene rates this guy highly so he should be a success with the club in the near future.
Nacer Barazite- Vitesse Arnhem
- Apps: 5+4 Goals: 0
- Loan started: August 31
- Loan due to end: End of season
- Last match: Groningen 4-1 Vitesse Arnhem
- League position: 15th in Dutch Eredivisie
Verdict: Unfortunately, the Dutchman doesn’t seem to be able to make it to the main squad. Every year he is loaned out after the pre-season and nothing much has changed. He should be looking at other options. Maybe a drop down to a Championship team will be good for him. Apparently a couple of Bundesliga clubs are interested
Kyle Bartley – Sheffield United
- Apps: 16+1 Goals: 0
- Loan started: August 10
- Loan due to end: End of season
- Last match: Sheffield United 1-0 Swansea
- League position: 20th in Championship
Verdict: Bartley is a promising centreback and I predict will be in the first team come next season. He is gaining valuable experience with Sheffield United at the moment. A throwback to the Tony Adams of old and much needed for Arsenal in the near future.
Pedro Botelho – Cartagena
- Apps: 17 Goals: 2
- Loan started: August 13
- Loan due to end: End of season
- Last match: Cartagena 5-2 Las Palmas
- League Position: 4th in Spanish Second Division
Verdict: Was not very outstanding during his time with the reserves and neither has his loan term with Cartagena set anything alight. One to let go.
Francis Coquelin – Lorient
- Apps: 5+5 Goals: 0
- Loan started: Start of season
- Loan due to end: End of season
- Last match: Toulouse 3-0 Lorient
- League Position: 12th in Ligue 1
Verdict: He went to Lorient as part of the Koscielny deal. Although his is a good player, there is too many players already in the defensive midfield position that I think Arsene will let him go. Under the young guns pecking order, he is already behind Craig Eastmond and Emmanuel Frimpong so his chances will be limited.
Submitted by The Arsenal Kid.
