Which Arsenal youngsters could leave before the Football League loan window closes?
The emergency loan window for clubs in the Football League closes on 26 March and there is no shortage of managers on the lookout for late additions. While manager Arsene Wenger is no stranger to utilising youngsters within the club's ranks, realistic opportunities for such players have dried up with just Premier League games of the season remaining.
A temporary move for players looking to impress the Gunners hierarchy would be much welcomed by clubs lower down the leagues, though. IBTimes UK considers the young hopefuls left at the Emirates who could still benefit more from a temporary move away, rather than another stint in the club's Under-21 ranks.
Chuba Akpom
The 19-year-old is highly regarded by Wenger, who has kept the striker in and around his Arsenal's first team this season having shone in their pre-season campaign. With his long-term future secure having signed a new contract in February, expect a temporary move away in the coming days. Reports have suggested as many as 12 clubs have shown an interest on bringing the striker to the Championship, with Nottingham Forest manager Dougie Freedman suggesting both his side and Norwich City are firmly in the running.
Serge Gnabry
After an injury-ravaged 12 months, Gnabry, by his own admission, realises chances of forcing his way back into the Arsenal first team this season are slim. The 19-year-old's breakout performances last season, particularly in that rampant performance against Tottenham in the FA Cup, ensure he remains in Wenger's thoughts. However, a temporary move away would provide him with the first-team football he has been deprived of. An argument can be made that Gnabry is already too good for the Championship but at this point in the season, it may be the more attractive proposition than the club's youth ranks.
Jack Jebb
Having cut his teeth on loan at Stevenage this season, 19-year-old Jebb returned to north London and turned out for the Under-21s against Blackburn earlier in March. The midfielder enjoyed his time at the League Two club and the feeling must have been mutual, having seen his initial loan deal in October 2014 extended until January. A ligament injury prompted his return to north London but, having regained his fitness, Jebb is open to a return to Broadhall Way.
"I'm hoping to go back on loan, hopefully to Stevenage soon," he said in March. "Obviously I want to get some game time here first to get my sharpness back. Maybe in the next few weeks I'll go back there and hopefully finish the season there."
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