Five Arsenal players who need to be loaned out next season

It’s time to divulge ourselves into the potential use of the loan system at Arsenal. Loans have been used interestingly in the past for the Gunners. If a player goes out on loan, they are expected to mature and grow as a player.

Look at Jack Wilshere. A loanee at Bolton in 2010, the England youngster has become first choice for team and country after gaining top-level experience and a bit of a tough, fighting against relegation.

Successful loans aren’t restricted to youngsters however. Older, perhaps forgotten, players can prove themselves once more in a quest to rediscover a first team place, or just to serve as a reminder to other teams of their ability.

Serge Gnabry (17) – Winger

Scout Report:

Signed into the Arsenal youth system from his hometown Stuttgart in 2011, Gnabry has already established himself as a lethal force in youth football. He holds lightning pace and tricky feet, and could easily become a perfect blend of the current Arsenal wingers (Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain). Definitely one to watch out for in the future, but currently looking a tad weak.

So why does he need a loan?

With only a few senior appearances (including one in the Champions League), Gnabry needs some more physical game time. He’s a raw talent that needs grounding in the senior game, but he won’t get much opportunity at the Emirates, as of yet. Pace rules in youth play, but a footballing brain really grows in the adult world.

Where should he go?

It has to be the Championship. The physical nature of the game there will give him a reality check. He’s been seen as a bit of a show-boater, but a couple of hard hits from Championship defenders could do a world of good. At his age, he has to stay in London. Charlton haven’t looked quite the same since they lost the pace of Bradley Wright-Phillips up front, so Serge could fit in there perfectly. Another option is Watford who will be looking to press for promotion once more.

Park Chu-Young (27) – Striker

Scout Report:

Under rather strange circumstances, Park signed for Arsenal at the end of the 2011 summer transfer window, from Monaco. He had been set for a medical at Lille but the transfer was cancelled last minute as Arsenal displayed interest. Fans at the Emirates have had limited views of the South Korean striker, but his finishing ability is unquestionable (23 goals in 61 games for a rather average South Korean national team).

So why does he need a loan?

He’s been prolific in the past, but has been completely abandoned at Arsenal. A very strange signing, with something to prove. A future at the Emirates is highly unlikely, but he could prove himself and get back into the interest of smaller clubs, earning him a transfer and more consistent playing time.

Where should he go?

A recent loan-spell at Celta Vigo proved rather unsuccessful (3 goals in 20 appearances). It may make sense for him to head back to France, or even head into lower sections of the English leagues. Brighton & Hove Albion could be a good destination. They let in the least goals in the Championship last season, but struggled to find the all-important goals, Park could make the difference for them. Over in Ligue 1, Bordeaux are also lacking in the goals department and they would prove a real test for the striker.

Francis Coquelin (22) – Defensive Midfielder/Central Midfielder

Scout Report:

On the cusp of breaking into the first team, Coquelin has shown some terrific performances. He’s been a useful tool at times for Arsenal; his tackling ability and confidence in the middle of the park is remarkable for someone of his age. His drive and determination is a great example to those around him and he is only a fraction short of being top class.

So why does he need a loan?

His ability is undeniable, but with Arteta, Ramsey, Wilshere and Diaby (when he’s fit) above him in the pecking order, he is not getting enough game time to establish himself as the player he could be. Whether the loan spell will end in a transfer or a more consistent place for the Gunners remains to be seen, but quite simply it’s a shame to see a good talent wasted.

Where should he go?

There have been rumours that Coquelin is destined for Schalke this summer, and that move could be perfect for the Frenchman. A loan with an option to buy clause could work well. However, if Arsenal are looking to retain him in the future, West Ham looked to be lacking a utility man last season and Coquelin could be a perfect fit.

Gervinho (26) – Forward/Winger

Scout Report:

The Ivorian gets himself assists and goals on a regular basis, but often fails to shine on the big occasions. His pace is natural, but his ability with the ball sometimes looks uncomfortable at best. It would be interesting to see how the likes of Podolski or Oxlade-Chamberlain would have faired in some of the positions he’s found himself in.

So why does he need a loan?

As one of the most unpredictable players in the league, you never know what sort of form Gervinho is going to be in. If he really does have the ability we often see flashes of, a loan spell will provide the more consistent game time to prove such ability. If not, Arsenal will be able to cut their losses as soon as possible.

Where should he go?

As someone who has performed for one of the top sides in the country, he can’t take a step too far back. Everton could be a good test. He’d get constant game time at a high level. Stepping out of the Premiership to ‘find himself’ back in France is an option too, with Marseille interested in the Ivorian.

Emmanuel Frimpong (21) – Defensive Midfielder

Scout Report:

Frimpong is one thing for definite: powerful. The Ghanaian has represented England at youth level but has since made his international debut for Ghana. His natural strength has been combined with footballing skill since his entrance into the Arsenal academy, aged nine. He’s been unfortunate with an injury-plagued career, but claims that he is on his way to being fitter than ever. A huge character both on and off the pitch.

So why does he need a loan? ‘

Frimmy’ is known by many for his clothing brand, ‘Dench’, more than for his footballing ability. He is undoubtedly Premiership quality and loves Arsenal, so desperately needs to prove himself. He has already been on a couple of loan spells (Wolves and Fulham most notably), but injuries have restricted game time. This season could be his time to finally get to the standard his potential suggests.

Where should he go?

He has to stay in England. His reputation goes before him as a tough tackler, and in defensive midfield reputation alone can really help. If he wants to challenge himself, Norwich could be a great place for him, helping them to add a bit of bite to a rather technical midfield. If not, Bolton’s strength-based game could suit him at the top of the Championship.