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Arsenal Need To Think Long And Hard About Alex Iwobi Loan
By Josh Sippie
Usually, loaning out youngsters is a fantastic idea. As we have seen from guys like Jon Toral, Gedion Zelalem and Chuba Akpom, these loans have a way of showing us what our prospects are all about. But at the same time, it deprives the team of some potentially young, prolific talents that will not be there to reinforce the team should we need it.
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As it stands, Arsenal have a good crop of talent on the wings. Alexis Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are some standout guys. As long as Aaron Ramsey is playing on the right wing, he has to be included as well. Behind them there is Joel Campbell. These are some pretty solid options.
But as long as Arsenal are playing like they are, they figure to be involved in a maximum of four competitions. That requires a significant amount of depth if they are going to be serious contenders. Alex Iwobi has proven that he can provide depth, even if Wenger has yet to use him in a competitive match. He, like Jeff Reine-Adelaide, has been one of the few youngsters that Wenger has held onto.
Now, however, Wenger is deliberating loaning the young Nigerian out as well. Iwobi’s father, Chuka, told Goal.com that “Arsene Wenger wants him to be with the first team because he did very well in pre-season.” He went on to say that his son’s preferred option is to go out on loan so as to gain first-team experience.
Apparently there are numerous clubs in England that are in on the Arsenal youngster. Again, as we have seen in previous deals, these loans can seriously benefit Arsenal and the player involved.
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The other option is to keep him in the U21 side, waiting for an injury to a first-team player. Iwobi has made 7 appearances for the Arsenal U21’s and scored twice. It is nice for him to be learning and growing with his potential future team mates, but in the end, first-team experience trumps it all.
After all, Francis Coquelin had years of growing and learning with his potential future team mates. Yet it was not until he went on loan that he was given his big shot at Arsenal.
Iwobi is really close to competing for a first team spot, but there just are not any openings right now. Alexis Sanchez is going to play in every single conceivable match-up and Joel Campbell is next in line behind him. Once Danny Welbeck comes back, he will jump Iwobi as well. A loan seems like the best decision.
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