In this weeks ‘Loan Watch’, many of Arsenal’s loanees did not feature this week.
It looks as though Arsenal have secured top four football once again. In what was a nervous game, Arsenal scraped through with a point which should be enough to secure them third, although that would mean Tottenham finishing second. With the promise of Champions League football, Arsenal will once again be able to lure some of the better players in Europe, hopefully.
With the possible chance of new signings, Arsenal must also consider the futures of the 11 players currently out on loan. Some players such as Chuba Akpom and Gedion Zelalem could play in the first team next year, others, like Glen Kamara and Emiliano Martinez could be at risk of losing their places at the club.
Similarly, Jon Toral has been superb for Birmingham this season, but it remains unclear as to his chances at Arsenal, in what is a saturated centre-midfield position.
With all this considered, let’s have a look at how the players got on between 3rd-10th May.
Wojciech Szczesny (AS Roma)
The Polish ‘keeper played two games this week for Roma – both of which Roma won.
Szczesny could not keep a clean sheet as Roma beat Genoa 3-2, but he did against Chievo, as Roma registered another win, this time winning 3-0.
Szczesny’s current situation will be one the more difficult ones for Arsenal to deal with. While he has had a solid season, Cech remains firmly entrenched as Arsenal’s number one. At this point in Szczesny’s career, it is unlikely that he would be happy with a second choice spot. Arsenal have also reiterated their desire to not loan Szczesny out again next season. Only time will tell.
Mathieu Debuchy (FC Bordeaux)
Mathieu Debuchy palyed the full 90 minutes as Bordeaux beat Lorient 3-0.
Chuba Akpom & Isaac Hayden (Hull City)
While Akpom made the bench, but was unused an substitute, Isaac Hayden did not make the squad for Hull’s 5-1 win over Rotherham.
Both players will prepare for Hull’s play-off semi-final against Derby County.
Jon Toral (Birmingham City)
Jon Toral did not feature in Birmingham City’s last game. The Blues drew 1-1 Cardiff in the final game of the season.
Toral had had a superb season for Birmingham, result in in him winning ‘Players’ Player of the Season’, ‘Supporters’ Player of the Season’ and won ‘Goal of the Season’. He will return to Arsenal to play in the pre-season and decide his future at the club.
Yaya Sanogo (Charlton Athletic)
The French striker was not included in the squad for Charlton’s 3-0 loss against Burnley.
Emiliano Martinez (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Once again Martinez was left on the bench in Wolves’ 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday.
Glen Kamara (Southend FC)
Kamara was not included in Southend’s squad, in their 3-2 loss to Bury.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles (Ipswich Fc)
Ainsley Maitland-Niles was not included in Ipswich’s squad for their 1-0 win over Derby County.
Wellington Silva (Bolton Wanderers FC)
Wellington Silva, was not included in Bolton’s 1-0 loss to Fulham at the weekend, he did however, play 45 minutes for Bolton’s development squad against Manchester City in midweek.