Arsenal currently have 12 players out on loan to various clubs. Most of these players are youngsters, hoping to prove themselves and get their big break at the Emirates Stadium upon their return to the club. Let’s take a look at the likelihood of their success in north London.
Carl Jenkinson
Jenkinson is a good player but incredibly inconsistent. After signing from Charlton Athletic in 2011, people were expecting great things of the young right back, despite his tiny price. It’s definitely fair to say that Jenkinson has failed to live up to these expectations. Admittedly a good crosser of the ball, and a solid outlet in attacking, the one-time England international is defensively weak and oppositions exploit this. His chances of breaking into the first team at Arsenal have been placed further into doubt by the emergence of the young Spaniard Hector Bellerin, whose potential looks far beyond that Jenkinson’s at this point.
Chances of succeeding at Arsenal: 5/10
Wojciech Szczesny
It appeared that Arsenal had found the long-term successor to Jens Lehmann in Wojciech Szczesny, but, unfortunately, this was not the case. After a series of astute performances for the Gunners, the Pole *literally* dropped the ball last year making a series of high-profile errors and was replaced by Colombian David Ospina. After signing Petr Cech, Szczesny was shipped out to Roma on loan, a move that should benefit the player. There’s no doubt that Szczesny has talent, but his decision-making is often poor and rash. Competing at the highest level in a hostile environment like Italy will hopefully make the player wiser and more self-aware.
Chances of succeeding at Arsenal: 6.5/10.
Yaya Sanogo
Simply put, Yaya Sanogo is the laughing stock of north London. The Frenchman scored one goal in 20 games for the Gunners and didn’t fare much better at Crystal Palace during his loan spell. He has failed to make an impact so far at Ajax, and assistant coach Ronald De Boer has been quoted as saying he “sees nothing” in the Frenchman. This doesn’t spell good things for the French U21 striker, but it’s hard to disagree with De Boer, Sanogo just doesn’t look like a goalscoring threat.
Chances of succeeding at Arsenal: 2/10.
Serge Gnabry
The young German looked exciting as he burst into the Arsenal first team two years ago. After a series of excellent performances, in one of which he scored the goal to take the side to the top of the league, Gnabry was awarded the Europe Golden Boy award. His development was seriously stunted after injuries restricted his playing time over the next couple of seasons. With an abundance of talents in the wings, it was sensible of Arsene Wenger to loan Gnabry out. At West Brom, the German will be sure to get plenty of playing time, and gain some valuable experience that can hopefully see him improve as he returns to north London.
Chances of succeeding at Arsenal: 7.5/10.
Gedion Zelalem
Much has been said about the supposed ‘prodigy’ that is Gedion Zelalem. Arsene Wenger is said to be a big fan of the midfielder, which is why he is being treated with such care. Zelalem has been routinely compared to the likes of Cesc Fabregas. Many praise his advanced technical ability, passing skills and his ability to drive the play. A loan move to Rangers will further aid the American U21s international, providing him with a regular stage to showcase his considerable talents. A player as naturally talented as Zelalem will surely succeed for Arsenal, and with Arsene Wenger behind his back it makes this even more likely.
Chances of succeeding at Arsenal: 8/10.
Jon Toral
Toral arrived along with Hector Bellerin in the summer of 2011, both as products of La Masia. While Hector Bellerin has found himself solidifying a place in the first team, Toral in now spending his second season out on loan. At Birmingham, Toral has already scored a goal in the league, and has looked the part for the Championship side. Whether the youngster has the abilities to break into an already clogged Arsenal midfield remains in question. Toral has significant footballing abilities, but more established players like Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, and fellow youngster Gedion Zelalem all stand in his way.
Chances of succeeding at Arsenal: 5/10.
Chuba Akpom
Akpom very obviously knows how to hit the back of the net. The young Englishman was prolific for the U21 side and showed glimpses of his goalscoring ability in pre-season, where he scored a hat-trick against the Singapore Select XI in the Barclays Asia Trophy. In an effort to further develop 19-year-old, Wenger has sent him on loan to relegated Hull. Akpom has taken this opportunity to further prove himself, already scoring 2 goals in 2 competitive games for the Tigers. There is very clearly room for a striker in Arsenal’s first team and Akpom should be looking to fill it. His pace, trickery and physicality is exactly what Arsenal could use.
Chances of succeeding at Arsenal: 7/10.
Emiliano Martinez
The young ‘keeper went out on loan to promotion hopefuls Wolves this year, after spending a short period of time at Rotherham United last campaign. The brief glimpses we’ve seen of the 23-year-old have been promising. The Argentine was forced into action early last season after injuries to the two first choice ‘keepers David Ospina and Wojciech Szczesny. Martinez performed admirably in this makeshift role, keeping 3 clean sheets against Borussia Dortmund, West Brom and Southampton. However, Martinez’s abilities at 23 are hardly anything exciting, and with Petr Cech, David Ospina and Wojciech Szczesny all in front of him in the pecking order, it appears the young goalkeeper won’t be getting his chance at Arsenal anytime soon.
Chances of succeeding at Arsenal: 4/10.
Wellington Silva
Silva finally made his long-awaited arrival in England, after being forced out on loan for four years due to work permit issues. It wasn’t long until the Brazilian was shipped out once more, this time going on loan to Bolton Wanderers. Silva has everything you expect of a Brazilian winger: pace, skill, and good finishing. But the more and more time the youngster spends out on loan, the more you feel like he will never making at Arsenal. Silva would also have to compete with Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Danny Welbeck, Joel Campbell, Alex Iwobi and Serge Gnabry for the positions on the wings.
Chances of succeeding at Arsenal: 5/10.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Another winger vying for an Arsenal first team place is Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who is currently on loan to Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich. Maitland-Niles made his debut for the club when he came on for Aaron Ramsey against Galatasaray. In his four appearances for Ipswich so far this season, the youngster has failed to make a mark early on. Although at 18, Maitland-Niles still has years to improve, but competition is vast and of the highest standard. Maitland-Niles will certainly need to up his game if he wants to succeed.
Chances of succeeding at Arsenal: 5/10
Isaac Hayden
Hayden was also loaned to Hull City along with Akpom to gain more experience and playing time. He has been praised by the boss Arsene Wenger himself, who complimented the young Englishman’s concentration, intelligence and strength. His has been a good start – a second positive point is that Hayden is comfortable playing as either a centre back or a defensive midfielder, two positions that Arsenal are notably weak in. If Hayden can continue to expand upon his already positive attributes, there’s no reason that he can’t come back to the Emirates and contest for a first team place.
Chances of succeeding at Arsenal: 6.5/10.
Daniel Crowley
After impressing at U18 and U21 level, Crowley delivered upon being called up to the first team in a pre-season game with the Singapore Select XI. Crowley was then loaned out to League One side Barnsley and has since earned plaudits throughout his career, with many likening his playing style to Gunners midfielder Jack Wilshere. The English midfielder has impressed in his loan spell so far, scoring a goal against Everton in the Capital One Cup. With such competition in the Arsenal midfield, Crowley will need to step up and start performing at a higher level soon. It will need to be some serious development too, but it’s unlikely Crowley will reach the likes of Wilshere.
Chances of succeeding at Arsenal: 4/10
