For Arsenal as with any club, at the end of the season, they have to think about the players that have been loaned out. Most of them would fall under the category of being young and needing some game time. But there are those that have a chance of becoming part of the first team and it is those players, we are going to be looking at.
One aspect of the Gunners that needs to change is the way they handle their loanees. The biggest clubs look at this market as a great way of making profit. Also, it helps to create a good relationship with a club which may come in handy later on. To their credit, the Premier League leaders are learning and becoming better at it.
Let us take a look at some of the players whose future could be of debate once the season ends.
Folarin Balogun
While the youngster has always been highly rated, no one could have predicted the kind of performances the striker has given this season. Moving to French side Reims, the forward has taken Ligue 1 by storm and is one of the highest scorers in the division. The fact that Balogun is fighting the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar in terms of goals scored is a huge deal.
For the north Londoners, they need to make a decision about a player whose stock is as high as it’s ever been. His situation in many ways is reminiscent of what happened to Joe Willock. The midfielder was highly rated but never established himself in the starting XI. A loan to Newcastle United and half a season later, Arsenal made a huge profit on him.
The same could happen with the Reims striker who is surely going to be in demand with some of the biggest clubs in Europe sure to be interested. Back home, it is unlikely that either Gabriel Jesus or Eddie Nketiah is going to be displaced. So, it could be a great chance to cash in on a talent that will surely help raise funds to improve other areas of the squad.
Nuno Tavares
The Portugal international has to be one of the most confusing talents to ever walk through the Emirates. When he was signed, it looked like the Gunners had made a shrewd signing as cover for Kieran Tierney. Initially that seemed to be right as the left back put in some good performances. Everything changed after a horror showing at Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup where he was substituted in the first half.
Even after that, there was a period where he put in some good performances. After the signing of Alex Zinchenko, the full back was sent on loan to Marseille. In France, familiar problems have plagued Tavares. He has sparked on occasion, but inconsistency has been a hindrance. This will have an impact on whether the French giants want to sign 23-year-old or not.
Mikel Arteta and the board need to think about what needs to be done about the Portuguese. There is a great player within the youngster, but one cannot help but wonder when we will get to see that player emerge. A sale looks unlikely so Tavares could be in line for another loan move. Perhaps that will finally bring out the world class potential present in the former Benfica man.
Auston Trusty
The American centre back is more of a victim of circumstance than anything to do with his quality. Whether you look at this signing as a promotional or a sporting one, it doesn’t change the fact that Trusty is a hugely talented defender. Currently on loan at Birmingham City, the 24-year-old has been one of their best players.
This puts the north Londoners in a strong position as they will be able to demand a sizable fee for the American international. With Arsenal being stacked in this particular position, it is quite unlikely that the centre back breaks through at the Emirates. With Birmingham looking like they will stay clear of the relegation zone, it could help facilitate a transfer.
Pablo Mari
Another centre back who will find it hard to get a start at the Emirates, Mari has come out of a traumatic situation to emerge strongly. The Brazilian who was stabbed a few months ago is back in action and helping Monza to a respectable finish in the Serie A table. Should this continue until the end of the season, there is a good chance the Italian side will sign him on a permanent basis.
Nicolas Pepe
A record transfer that didn’t work out as well it should have, Arsenal find themselves in a curious position with regards to Pepe. The Ivorian is on loan at Nice and while he has not set the league on fire, he has done quite well. Those at the Emirates will be hopeful that this can translate into a transfer. The winger will not replace Bukayo Saka, so it is good to consider a future away from north London.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
If the Englishman had been willing to put his head down and play in a position he didn’t like, the Gunners could have solved their right back position for years to come. Alas it was not to be and the player who is at Southampton now, is reaching a crossroads in his career. There is obvious talent present in Maitland-Niles, but inconsistency has been a problem. It is unlikely that the youngster has a future under Arteta and could be playing elsewhere next season.
Albert Sambi Lokonga
Another player who could become a great player, the Belgian on loan at Crystal Palace at the moment could need another spell away from the Emirates. This is a midfielder that is talented but needs a lot of game time and that isn’t going to happen with the north Londoners. A club where he plays regularly, will help Lokonga become a better player.
Marquinhos
A winger with a lot of potential, the current Norwich City player’s future depends a lot on what happens in the summer. Another factor impacting the Brazilian’s future is Reiss Nelson who could end up staying beyond his current contract. For Marquinhos, he only needs to look at Gabriel Martinelli as inspiration to do well. The winger presents an interesting decision for the Gunners to make.
Conclusion
Arsenal have certainly stepped up efforts to get their players a good loan move and ensure that their development continues. This season is further proof that those at the Emirates are making good decisions. There is a chance for a lot of these talents to be sold and that could raise further funds for the summer. The money saved on wages could help fund moves for some superstar talents and that will be on the club’s mind.
At the moment, it is a matter of quality rather than quantity for the Gunners who in all likelihood will be competing in the Champions League next season. Arsenal tickets are selling like hot cakes as the club is on an upward trajectory. This summer is the time to take the club further forward and that could start with the transfers. Fans are responding to the good work that has been happening in the recent past and may that continue.
