Arsenal youngster Zane Monlouis in advanced talks to join Reading on loan until the end of the season
Arsenal defender Zane Monlouis is in advanced talks to join League One side Reading on a loan deal until the end of the current campaign, according to The Athletic.
The 20-year-old is currently at their training ground ahead of the move and it is expected to get done before the January transfer window closes at 11 pm today.
Reading are in need of defensive cover following recent departures, and Arsenal believe the move will do Monlouis the world of good.
The youngster has regularly captained the Arsenal under-21s but wants to start playing first-team football, and the move to the League One club appeals.
The centre-back will hope he can do enough to keep Reading up as they are currently in a relegation battle, with three points between them and safety.
Arsenal have allowed some of their youngsters to leave on temporary and permanent deals today, and more movements could take place before 11 pm.
Charles Sagoe Jr has joined Charlie Patino at Championship club Swansea City on loan until the end of the season, while left-back Lino Sousa and Bradley Ibrahim have joined Aston Villa and Hertha Berlin, respectively, in permanent moves.
Miguel Azeez could also join Spanish third-division club Atletico Baleares before the January transfer window closes tonight, with talks ongoing between both clubs.
While Monlouis and the aforementioned quartet were among the best in their age group, there was no real expectation of them bridging the gap between academy and first-team football.
Their exits are another reminder of how wide the gulf between academy and first-team football is, and more could follow suit in the summer.
