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Arsenal Must Choose Alex Iwobi Loan Carefully
By Josh Sippie
Arsenal look ready to loan out Nigerian winger Alex Iwobi following a strong performance against Sunderland. However, they must be diligent in their choice.
Alex Iwobi made a pretty strong showing for himself against Sunderland for Arsenal in the FA Cup. Ignoring the nerves that were to be expected, the young Nigerian showed a ton of promise, from his speed to his strength to his dribbling. There was plenty of reason to be excited for the 19-year old and his development going forward.
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That being said, there was plenty of refinement needed as well. He had a heavy first touch at times and was inconsistent in his willingness to fire it on goal. But that will come with time.
Arsenal have been deliberating over whether or not to send Iwobi out on loan. While reports initially said that Iwobi was better off at the club and numerous people did not want him to go out on loan, recent developments have indicated that Reading may be interested in bolstering their attacking crop for the second half of the season.
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Whatever the case, this is a delicate time in Iwobi’s development. He is on the brink of first-team competition but past the point of being a prospect. Keeping him at Arsenal for cameo appearances and U21 matches could stunt his progression, but sending him out on a doomed loan could do similar.
Arsenal have seen far too many loans go sour this year to think that a loan deal would be cut and dry. Yes, a loan, if done correctly, could be immensely beneficial. Consistent first-team play at a loan side could be the perfect transition into consistent Arsenal first-team play. But as we saw from Isaac Hayden, loans don’t always work out. Now 20 years old, Hayden was returned from Hull City because he could not land consistent playing time. Now the question is where he goes from there.
Serge Gnabry is in an even worse situation. He has played just 12 minutes for West Brom and now he is rotting in their reserves. Arsene Wenger has been a bit stubborn in his unwillingness to pull the plug on the loan because of a “commitment” he has with West Brom. That does not take into account the commitment he has with his players.
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Alex Iwobi could face a major speed bump if he is sent out on a Gnabry-esque loan. Hopefully Wenger has done his due diligence with wherever, if anywhere, he decides to send Iwobi. If nothing looks solid, there is no shame in keeping him at Arsenal.