Arsenal make key January loan transfer decision

Normally the January transfer window is the talk of the town at this point in the calendar. Arsenal have been linked with plenty of players, but their performances and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have stolen most of the limelight.

Work is still under way though, possibly with the former captain in mind who is now set to train away from the rest of the group until he jets off to AFCON, only to return once the competition concludes in February or when Gabon are eliminated.

Folarin Balogun is another striker set to see some senior action in January with it decided by Arsenal that a loan move, likely to the Championship, in the winter will give him a vital six months of experience. He is making a mockery of Under-23 football at present.

He’s not the only one destined for bigger and better than youth football, with The Athletic revealing that options are being considered for central defender Omar Rekik to join his teammate and make a temporary move in search of first team football.

Arsenal make key January loan transfer decision with Omar Rekik to join Folarin Balogun in temporary winter move

Signed last January from Hertha Berlin for a fear of around £500k, the central defender has impressed under Kevin Betsy and it’s felt senior exposure will be beneficial to his development.

Just shy of turning 20 years old, Rekik has suffered two muscle tears since he moved to north London that have halted progress but having overcome those he’s shone in a unique centre-back role.

Operating in the middle of a back three system, Rekik has the freedom to roam into midfield, form triangles and be the focal point to start attacks. It’s not uncommon to see him up in the final third making runs into the opposition box.

However, some first team experience playing in a back four system is being eyed – Betsy has utilised this more often of late – and there will be no shortage of interested parties in January.

The lack of European football has been to the detriment of youth players at Arsenal who have found first team opportunities unobtainable. FA Cup football is all that is available for first team action thus loan moves in the winter are the vital next step to aid the likes of Rekik and Balogun’s development.

As sooner these talented youngster can get involved in senior football, the better.