Arsenal trio making big strides on loan this season
Arsenal are likely to re-invest into the first-team squad this summer as they prepare for their return to Champions League football.
The Gunners have already been linked with several high-profile targets but manager Mikel Arteta may also look to hand opportunities to some loan stars.
In our opinion, Folarin Balogun, Nuno Tavares and Charlie Patino are three players, who could feature in the manager’s plans during the 2023/24 season.
Balogun has been a revelation for Reims in the French top-flight. He is currently one of the top-five scorers in the division with a stunning 16 goals to his name.
After years of talking up his potential, the 21-year-old has finally had his breakout season and he will be hoping to become a regular fixture under Arteta next term.
Sixteen goals in 26 games. Folarin Balogun is having some season with Reims 🤩
💬 “I’m focused and determined to show people this isn’t a blip, this is something that I could do consistently.”
🇫🇷 This is Life on Loan | @Balogun edition
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 17, 2023
Meanwhile, Tavares is another player that has improved with Marseille. He has been a regular from the left wing-back position, chipping in with six goals from 31 outings.
With the talk of Kieran Tierney potentially leaving, Tavares could be reinstated as a back-up option behind Oleksandr Zinchenko whose workload needs to be managed.
Charlie Patino has also made big strides in his season-long loan with Blackpool. The youngster, who can play in central or defensive midfield, has seven goal contributions.
He recently had a brief spell as an unused substitute but came back in style against Queen Park Rangers with a brilliant all-round performance for Mick McCarthy’s side.
Patino chipped in with two assists for the Seasiders but also won 11 out of his 15 ground and aerial duels.
Arsenal recently triggered a clause in his contract to extend his stay until June 2025. We won’t be surprised if talks are already underway over a fresh long-term deal.
Unlike Balogun or Tavares, Patino has yet to prove himself in the top-flight but Arteta could be tempted to keep him next term with Albert Sambi Lokonga likely to leave.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com and Sofascore.com
