Arsenal: 3 loan players who deserve a chance next season

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta gestures from the sidelines during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 9, 2021. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Richard Heathcote / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by RICHARD HEATHCOTE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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BLACKPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 04: Daniel Ballard of Blackpool controls the ball during the Sky Bet League One match between Blackpool and Doncaster Rovers at Bloomfield Road on May 04, 2021 in Blackpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images) /

2. Daniel Ballard

The fact that there are two central defenders on this list speaks volumes about the options at the club although Daniel Ballard should certainly not be considered the best of a bad bunch. A youth academy product, Ballard was shipped out to gain valuable minutes at Blackpool.

He’s grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

Both Blackpool and Arsenal fans alike have raved about his performances for the League One club where Ballard has contributed to Blackpool’s excellent defensive record. There’s a reason the Tangerines have made it through into the League One play-off final with the fewest conceded goals in the division, and the defender has certainly played his part. He has even chipped in with two goals this season, showing his aerial prowess on both ends of the pitch.

Similar in physical profile to Rob Holding, Ballard would be an excellent option to have around the first team next season. Arsenal may indeed have no European football next season and while Ballard won’t be starting in the Premier League, he could and should get minutes in cup competitions.

Given his age and the current stage of his development, another loan, however, move might be on the cards. Regardless of what might happens in the summer and during pre-season, Ballard’s stock his risen exponentially with his domestic outings as well as his international appearances for Northern Ireland, and is definitely one to watch.

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