Merida’s loan spell is ‘filling a gap’

With the transfer window in full flow, a few players have been suggested as possible targets for Championship clubs on loan, with Armand Traore  amongst them. Of course rumours are going to be rife at this time of year and it would be good for these youngsters to get experience, but at the same time these rumours could be the brainchild of some lazy hack with nothing better to do with his life.

On the subject of transfers, rumours about Nikolay Dimitriov persist, whilst we are reportedly close to capturing youngster Andre Ayew.

Arsene Wenger talks about Fran Merida’s loan spell and how it is ‘filling a gap’ in his education. He’s at that stage now, where technically he knows all there is to know, it’s just that he has to adapt to the physical side of the game and for that reason I would have sent him to a Championship side instead ( QPR were supposedly interested) but Wenger knows best.

There was a shock in the FA Youth Cup last night as Man Utd lost to Carlisle. Ha,ha, ha. Revenge is sweet. They didn’t deserve to beat us last year and if we get past the holders Liverpool at Anfield (which is going to be no easy task, by the way) then we will have a fantastic chance of winning the competiton, especially as Sunderland lie in wait in the Fifth Round.

The u-18s game against Portsmouth on Saturday morning will now take place at London Colney.

Nacer Barazite has returned to full training with Arsenal and talks about his injury woe here.

Henri Lansbury and Kieran Gibbs have been named in the England u-19 squad for the game with Croatia.

Finally, remember to stay with the site for the latest news on all the young players at Arsenal, including exclusive match reports and it’s also the best place for opinion, debate and analysis concerning the stars of the future. If you have a suggestion for an article, then don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thanks for reading. More tomorrow, including a preview of the u-18s match with Portsmouth.