The best youngsters almost never go out on loan
1 comment October 17th, 2007
Cesc Fabregas, Gael Clichy, Philippe Senderos, Justin Hoyte, Denilson, Theo Walcott. None of these bright young stars have ever been loaned out in the early stages of their Arsenal career. And why? Because those that Wenger has the most faith in, he never lets out of his sight.
The same was true of Jeremie Aliadiere for much of his Arsenal career, with Wenger once telling a Championship manager he was “too special” to be loaned out. As it turned out, injuries put paid to Aliadiere’s “specialness”, but it was a clear indication that Wenger doesn’t loan out players he thinks are certain to make it.
Look at those who he did allow other teams to borrow, however briefly: Jermaine Pennant, Moritz Volz and David Bentley to name a few. Granted, the likes of Nicklas Bendtner and Johan Djourou have both been loaned out despite being earmarked for greater things, but in both cases it was at the behest of the players themselves.  Carlos Vela, meanwhile, is loaned out simply as a neccessity whilst he awaits a work permit to play in Britain.
And so, yesterday came the news that Alex Song could be going out on loan again, but Armand Traore certainly won’t. Interesting, eh.
