Arsenal youngster Dan Crowley joins Oxford United on season-long loan

Arsenal midfielder Dan Crowley will hope to enhance his first team experience after securing a season-long loan move to Oxford United. The 18-year-old spent the first half of last term at Barnsley, where he made 13 appearances in all competitions with the Oakwell club, scoring one goal.

Such was the impression Crowley made last term while at the Tykes, manager Lee Johnson labelled the youngster one of the "most talented 18-year-olds I've ever seen". The England Under-19 international is therefore highly thought of in north London and will hope to add to his reputation this season.

Barnsley went on to win the Football League Trophy and promotion to the Championship via the play-offs, following Crowley's departure. Oxford boss Michael Appleton will hope the Arsenal man can be the catalyst for a similarly impressive campaign.

"He is a really talented player, very creative and good on the ball," he told the U's official website upon the announcement of the 12-month deal for Arsenal's Crowley. "He sees a pass and an opportunity very quickly and can play just behind the striker, in midfield or coming in off the flanks so he offers us plenty of options.

"He has a fantastic future ahead of him and it's great that Oxford is starting to build a reputation as a club where we can work with young players like Dan, nurture them and play a role in their development. At the same time we will only do so if we believe it benefits and strengthens the squad here and I think he definitely fits that bill."

Crowley is yet to make a senior appearance for Arsenal but hopes are high he can buck the trend and force his way into Arsene Wenger's thoughts in the future. He is one of five players to leave The Emirates Stadium this summer, exits which include the release of Mathieu Flamini, Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky.