Arsenal have officially confirmed the departure of young midfielder Jon Toral to Granada on a season-long loan earlier today.
Here is the official statement on Arsenal’s official website:
We would like to wish Jon well for his time in Spain.
The deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
The move which will take the youngster back to his homeland was confirmed by the Spanish club few days back. The 21-year-old was dubbed the next Fabregas by many, when he joined Arsenal’s youth setup five years back from Barcelona.
With the presence of Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Alex Iwobi, Jon Toral has still been unable to break into Arsenal’s first team and hence shall be spending yet another season out on loan, this time at Spanish club side Granada.
At Brentford, he made 34 league appearances and scored 6 goals. However, he enjoyed more success at Birmingham, scoring 8 goals in 36 appearances.
He was awarded the Players’ Player of the Season and Supporters’ Player of the Season at Birmingham City. His goal against Ipswich Town, a dipping volley from 25 yards, earned him the club’s Goal of the Season award.
His successful stint at Midlands made many ascertain that he would break into the first team for the 2016-17 season, but the presence of a lot of talent in that position has delayed his first team breakthrough.
He still has to wait for his chance as he is shipped out for one more season on loan. He might prove to be the long-term replacement of Mesut Ozil, for which the experience he is gaining at the senior level shall surely help.
This loan move might prove vital for the youngster if he plans to feature in Wenger’s long term plan. It’s a stepping stone for the youngster to feature in La Liga after his stints in the lower divisions of England.
Can Toral live up to the hype of ‘next Fabregas’?
