8 Players in Need of a Loan Move



by Fabio Duarte

Mikel Arteta has wasted little time in trimming down a bloated squad during the January transfer window. The first few days of the window have already seen Sead Kolašinac return to Schalke and William Saliba depart for Nice, each on a six-month loan deal. 

Despite these exits, there are still several players who could benefit from some time away from the Emirates during the remainder of the campaign. Whether it’s for developmental reasons, match fitness, or simply to cut the wage bill, here are seven players who could do with a change of scenery.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos

The Greek center-back is an obvious candidate for a move away from North London. Having been excluded from Mikel Arteta’s 25-man squad, Sokratis is quite obviously not part of Arsenal’s plans.

Ideally, Arsenal will be looking to sell before his contract is up in June and that may well be on the cards. Fenerbahçe and Genoa are reportedly interested in a transfer but at the very least, the 32-year-old needs to be shifted off the wage bill.

Joe Willock

The 21-year-old midfielder has come under criticism from sections of the Arsenal fan base. Underwhelming in the few appearances he has made, Willock would certainly benefit from an extended run of football for the remainder of the season.

Calum Chambers

A long-term injury setback has allowed Chambers to fall-down the pecking order at the Emirates. The one-time England international has been restricted to just 110 minutes of first-team action and is yet to make a Premier League appearance this season.

Reports suggest Arsenal are willing to sell but a loan move may benefit both parties. Chambers recently made his ambitions to get back into the Gunners’ side public and a loan move to another Premier League side could make that a possibility for the start of next season.

Reiss Nelson

Another 21-year-old in desperate need of a consistent run of games, Nelson has seen just 70 minutes of Premier League action. Arteta has gone on record to say that injuries have played a part in this but the suspicion is that Nelson is still some way down the pecking order.

His successful spell at Hoffenheim in 2018/19 serves as an endorsement for another spell away from Arsenal. 

Ainsley Maitland-Niles

A loan move that would likely suit the player more so than the club would be the departure of Maitland-Niles. Many fans are disappointed to see AMN start just four Premier League games this season and it appears that Arteta views the 23-year-old as little more than a squad player.

His versatility makes him an asset that the club would likely rather hold on to. Despite this, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the England international push for a move in the search for first-team football.

Eddie Nketiah

After making a positive impact upon his return from Leeds, Nketiah has seen his role in the first team diminished in recent months. The record England u21 goalscorer failed to make an appearance in Arsenal's run of three league victories and is reportedly a Wolves target. Whether the deal would be a loan or (as is being suggested) a permanent move, is yet to be confirmed.

Shkodran Mustafi

Very much on the chopping block and surplus to requirements, Mustafi’s time at Arsenal is all but up. The German has seen limited game time this season and has been linked with various moves away.

Mustafi is reportedly keen to leave before his contract ends in the summer and whilst a permanent move is preferable, a loan to see out the season is possible.

Mesut Özil

Rounding off the list is the enigma himself. A lot has been made of the Özil situation and there is plenty of uncertainty but what has been made clear is Arteta’s reluctance to include the German in his plans.

Finding a suitor to cover part of Özil’s wages would be perfect and would give the maligned midfielder a chance to play…whether that is a likely scenario is another matter entirely. As it stands, a move to Fenerbahçe is being widely reported.


Speculation around the future of these eight players is building and things are likely to become a lot clearer in the coming days and weeks.

 

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