Firstly, let me be absolutely clear: I do not think we’re going to sign any of these players. There are no discussions I’m aware of and no inside knowledge I’m using.
In fact, if you ask me, I don’t think we will sign an Arsenal Under 21 on loan at all. However, in the build-up to the game, I was asked numerous times if I thought we’d get someone on loan. I guess it comes from the Callum Connolly thing where we played Everton and then took him on loan or from the fact we’ve had Tyreece John-Jules and Brooke Norton-Cuffy in recent seasons.
A handful of Arsenal players impressed me, so I thought I’d do a fun, speculative piece on the four that I think would be a good fit for the Imps. Again, to clarify, this isn’t something you should read too much into; just a look at the players who impressed, and the names worth bearing in mind for the future.
Joshua Robinson
Robinson played right back, and has appeared in the EFL Trophy for the Gunners. I thought he looked good – quick and strong, clearly able to distribute the ball, but well up to speed with the physical elements of the game.
There’s a big argument that the EFL Trophy is pointless, but if it offers the 19-year-old a little senior experience then great. He struck me as a player more likely to be comfortable at wing-back, meaning he’d be a good pick up for the Imps.
Maldini Kacurri
Albanian Kacurri plays as a right centre-back, a position we’re okay with, but he’s certainly one to watch for the future. he put in a couple of tasty challenges and again, physically looked able to compete with our senior players.
He’s represented Albania at Under 19 level, and while he’s probably a year away from a senior loan, he’s definitely one to watch out for, as he stood out for me at the weekend.
Zane Monlouis
Monlouis played number three, he was captain and sat on the left of the back three. That’s a position we need cover, but I think any senior loan for Monlouis will be with a view to playing regular matches.
He still impressed me. He was good in the air, but was able to carry and distribute the ball with ease. He is right-footed, which doesn’t entirely suit our needs, but he’s also 20, and that’s the sort of age where senior football is really the next step.
Monlouis was the stand out for me. He just looks ready for a good senior spell, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him popping up somewhere like Reading, again, later in the season.
Michal Rosiak
The young Pole stood out for me, sitting in front of the back four doing the Ethan Erhahon job. He was really composed on the ball, and it was a bit disappointing to see him taken off at half time.
At 18, it might be argued another year of PL2 football is best for the midfielder, but there’s real value in his industry in front of the back four. I’m perhaps a sucker for a defensive midfielder, and while it’s not a position we should fill with an inexperienced loan, Rosiak is one I wouldn’t be disappointed to see come through the door on a temporary basis.
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