da dobrowin： As you might expect with Arsenal Football Club, they have in their midst, a host of exciting young stars emerging at the club.
da wazamba： While the Gunners’ youth policy should be commended, their bid to win the Premier League title may prevent too many of their rising stars from getting much in the way of game time as things stand.
The North London giants have previously benefitted from the use of short-term loans, with both Francis Coquelin and Hector Bellerin establishing themselves as key first-team players after short spells away.
So, can lightning strike thrice? It’s by no means an exact science, especially in Coquelin’s case, though clearly such deals can yield rewards to reap.
Finding the right club to loan emerging talent to is crucial and there are few teams more suited to it than Nottingham Forest as things stand. The Reds are clearly a big club with a large fanbase, giving young Gunners a taste of what it’s like to ply their trade in front of big crowds with hefty expectation.
Aside from their allure off the field, their recent run of 13 games unbeaten games is exactly the sort of atmosphere fresh faces would love to walk into. For a club often in relative turmoil, perhaps taking advantage of such a harmonious feeling is a wise idea.
After all, the last time the two clubs were involved in transfer dealings, Herni Lansbury arrived at the City Ground. A move which has greatly benefitted all parties involved.
With that in mind, here are FIVE Arsenal players Nottingham Forest should target on loan…
SERGE GNABRY
Serge Gnabry has never really kicked on since he burst onto the scene in 2013. A spell with West Bromwich Albion was cut short earlier this year and the 20-year old German winger once again finds himself at the Emirates.
Never likely to break the first-team with the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ahead of him, he’s reportedly been on the radar of Championship clubs.
Baggies boss Tony Pulis described the German under-21 international as a ‘phenomenal talent’, though urged him to work on his defensive work.
After a pretty chastening experience in the Midlands, perhaps the gifted winger has had the kickstart he desperately needs.
If so, Forest could have quite the player on their hands should they make a move.
JEFF REINE-ADELAIDE
Jeff Reine-Adelaide is a hugely impressive wide forward, who thrilled the Gunners faithful in the pre-season Emirates Cup. However, the sheer competitiveness of the club’s frontline has seen the 18-year old restricted to just 1 senior appearance this term.
The Frenchman is supremely gifted on the ball, at his best toying with defenders on the right flank before cutting inside onto his left. During the summer, he was crucial in help the Gunners crush a competitive Wolfsburg outfit.
Described as ‘something special’ by Arsene Wenger, perhaps Forest should capitalise on Arsenal’s well stocked attacking department.
DANIEL CROWLEY
A lot has been said about Daniel Crowley during his short career, though the 18-year old central midfielder has never truly shown what he can do when in full flow just yet.
A loan spell with Barnsley was cut short, though the imminent return of Jack Wilshere, a player to which the teenager has drawn comparison, could see the former Aston Villa trainee soon depart.
He’s exactly the sort of player you would want as the beating heart of an engine room. Despite his relatively slight frame, the England under-19 star is robust enough to win back possession, before cutting teams open with his skill on the ball.
With Andy Reid constantly suffering injury problems, perhaps Crowley could be an ideal replacement.
JOSH DASILVA
Josh DaSilva is blessed with pace and close control, making him an ideal alternative to current Reds forward Chris O’Grady.
While he’s not jet heeled, his clever movement and decent acceleration mix well with his ability to hold play up, making him the ideal focal point of attack.
Despite his tender years, the starlet is excellent with the ball at his feet, creating space for himself and others on the counter, as well as retaining possession when backs are to the wall.
The prospect of lining him up with Nelson Oliveira is a very exciting notion.
KRYSTIAN BIELIK
Probably the most well known of the rising Gunners stars, Krystian Bielik could do with a short spell away.
In his role as an anchor man, the Polish midfielder desperately needs top level game time to hone his reading of the game. While clearly that attribute comes to him naturally, there is no better way to craft it than in a demanding league such as the Championship.