Arsenal Transfer News: Chuks Aneke Must Continue Development at Crewe Alexandra

Chuks Aneke has all the makings of a future Arsenal star, but there simply isn't a logical spot for the 20-year-old dynamo on the squad currently. Because of that, the Gunners' best course of action would be to loan him Crewe Alexandra for a second consecutive season.

According to Alex Hankin of Mirror Football, there have been talks between Arsenal and Crewe Alexandra regarding Aneke's status, and it seems likely that the English national will once again play for the League One side in 2013-14.

These discussions have since been confirmed by Crewe manager Steve Davis, according to Crewe Alexandra's official Twitter account.

Davis had nothing but good things to say about Aneke, according to Hankin, and it seems as though Davis is certainly keen on bringing him back if at all possible.

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He did terrific for us last season. I think initially people didn't see his quality, but over time he came to fruition and his fitness was much better.

The quality, creativity and goal-scoring ability he's got was apparent to everybody. He's the creative player that [former captain Luke] Murphy was and we could do with that type.

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Aneke easily had his most productive season as a professional with Crewe this past year, racking up eight goals and seven assists in 38 appearances. Aneke showed a great deal of versatility as he is capable of playing either as a centre-back or defensive midfielder. If he continues to develop that versatility then he will be of great importance to Arsenal in the near future.

While Aneke's talent is undeniable, there is no way that he is ready for the rigors of the EPL. Aneke is already a very good player at the League One level, but that is only the third tier of English soccer. Until he dominates the competition as a member of Crewe and then shows proficiency in the Championship, the Gunners' brass shouldn't even think about making him a full-time squad member.

At this point in Aneke's career, sitting on the bench isn't going to help him. His playing time at Arsenal would be spotty at best, and while he would have an opportunity to practice against some of the best, that is a far cry from game action. Aneke needs to play a lot in order to accelerate his development, and he'll get that opportunity with the Railwaymen.

Arsenal could benefit from depth in defense or midfield, but it shouldn't come at the expense of Aneke being furthered as a player. The Gunners have developed some great young players over the years, so they know how to handle their prospects. Rushing a guy like Aneke is the worst thing that they could decide, but luckily it doesn't appear as though they have any interest in doing so.

Even Aneke himself realizes the value in remaining with Crewe. While he would obviously love to play for Arsenal as soon as possible, Crewe is the best situation for him. According to John Cross of Mirror Football, Aneke fancies another loan if he can't break into the Arsenal first team.

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I just want to impress the boss and try and get an opportunity. If that's not achievable then I want to play some games. I played a lot of games when I was at Crewe last season.

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Playing time won't be an issue for a team like Crewe as it aspires to ascend to the next tier of English soccer. Aneke has a chance to be a big part of the club's rise, and if he is somehow able to help the Railwaymen earn promotion this season, that will go a long way toward impressing Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

Until something like that happens, though, there is no point in changing the way Aneke is being handled. He has fared quite well so far, and he should continue to get even better with Crewe.

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