Arsenal Midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong Loaned to Fulham for Season

Midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong will join Fulham on loan for the remainder of the campaign, according to Arsenal.com.

The 21-year-old, who has made two first-team appearances for Arsenal this season, just got back from Charlton Athletic, where he was on loan for six weeks. He has made 16 career first-team appearances for Arsenal.

A product of the Gunners' Academy, Frimpong won the Premier Academy League twice as a youngster alongside Jack Wilshere as well as capturing the FA Youth Cup in 2009.

Eager, committed and strong in the challenge, Frimpong has talent, but he is still raw, prone to tactical errors and letting his emotions get the best of him. It hasn't helped that he's had two cruciate ligament injuries that have stunted his development in the past few years.

Fulham, of course, has nothing to lose. The club has a mere 25 points so far during the Premier League season, good for 14th place. Defense has mainly deserted the club, as Fulham has allowed 40 goals, tied for fifth-most in the EPL.

This is a good time for Fulham to test out Frimpong in Premier League play. The youngster has shown glimpses of being an asset. In his two appearances for Arsenal this season (one start), he managed to tally an assist without committing a foul in the process.

As clubs begin to assess themselves down the stretch, expect more moves like this, where young, up-and-coming players are given a chance to prove their mettle in the world's most competitive football league. 

The latest move by Fulham marks the club's recognition that it is not in competition for the Top Four this season, looking ahead to brighter prospects in the future while experimenting in the process.