Arsenal to sanction another deadline day midfield loan

Supporters are frantically refreshing their news sources this Monday as hope remains of Arsenal completing a deadline day move for a midfielder or striker.

On a date that has seen Arsenal pull off some miraculous late moves in the past, it remains the case that departures are the more likely event.

There is trimming the squad of dead leaves, and then there is cutting the all the branches off. While the Gunners’ core starting XI is untouched, the team is being rid of depth with senior players being moved on and their potential academy replacements following suit.

Midfield is one of the areas that has been thoroughly examined in January, with the club currently boasting only four options in the centre of the park. Mohamed Elneny completes that quartet when he returns from AFCON duty.

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Arsenal to sanction another deadline day midfield loan with Tim Akinola set to join Dundee United until the end of the season

As a move for Arthur fell through, the chance of seeing some Hale End stars feature more prominently in the senior setup becomes greater. Charlie Patino is someone who could continue his involvement, but one of those who won’t is Tim Akinola.

The defensive midfielder has improved multiple facets of his game under Kevin Betsy this season, with his already impressive tenacity off the ball enhanced by a more refined technical level. With the ball at feet he’s far more well rounded.

Still without a real taste of senior football, Akinola is set to get that with Dundee United for the rest of the season. As per local outlet The Courier, the midfielder will join up with Tam Courts’ side on loan as The Tangerines aim to build on their current 7th place – but just four points off fourth place – standing in the Scottish Premiership.

Akinola is a highly regarded at London Colney ever since joining from Huddersfield Town in August 2020, making 15 appearances for Betsy’s side this term.

Arsenal have already secured new loans this month for Tyreece John-Jules, Ryan Alebiousu and Nikolaj Moller, while there is still time for Omar Rekik and Zak Swanson to also depart on loan.

Someone not ready to be featuring for Arsenal, this is a fine move for Akinola where he can get a taste of senior football at a top-flight club. This will be a big test for him to see where he is in his development.