Arsenal Loaners: Whom Should Arsenal Keep and Whom Should They Let Go?

As usual, 2008-2009 saw Arsenal send most of their promising youngsters, and a few experienced men, out to clubs so they could receive more first-team football. As usual, the youngsters were dazzling and left a bit of a taste of what the Arsenal youth has to offer.

Whom should Arsenal keep, and whom should they let go?

We will start with the youngsters.

1. Nacer Barazite, 19—Derby County

A hugely promising midfielder who is similar to Andrei Arshavin and Samir Nasri. The teenager was sent to Derby at the start of the 2008-2009 campaign, and it's evident the Dutchmen has gained some much-needed experience.

The youngster appeared over 30 times for the Championship side, and he bagged one goal.

Barazite has a huge future, and you can bet your mortgage that Arsene Wenger will want him back for 2009-2010.

2. Pedro Botelho, 19—UD Salamanca

His second loan spell at Salamanca in as many years was a successful one. The Brazilian featured regularly for the Spanish second-division side, playing either in the midfield or in the backline.

However, there have been reports that the teenager is signing with Xerez for 2009-2010 if they are promoted to La Liga.

This is a shame, as I see Botelho as a terrific player with a future. He is versatile and quick, but it looks like he will not be returning to the Emirates.

3. Armand Traore, 19—Portsmouth

One of the few youngsters that was loaned to a Premiership club. 2008-2009 saw Traore mature and feature relatively prominently for Pompey. He showed he can play as a left back or a left winger due to his speed and quick feet.

He also showed he can be a real threat on goal. The Frenchman has already represented Arsenal in the Premier League and will no doubt be adding to those numbers next season.

4. Jay Simpson, 19—West Bromwich Albion

Before the Englishman was loaned out to WBA in January, the youngster had scored twice in Arsenal's 3-0 win over Wigan in the Carling Cup.

But when Arsenal saw themselves eliminated from the Carling Cup, Simpson was immediately put on loan.

Having already made history for Arsenal as the first player to score a hat trick at the Emirates in the youth league, Simpson was eager to show his promise for Tony Mowbry's side.

Simpson was impressive, scoring twice for the Baggies and looking sharp on occasions. Expect to see him in the red and white for 2009-2010.

5. Harvard Nordtveit, 18—Lillestrom

Having already been touted as the brightest defensive prospect in Europe, the Norwegian youngster was first loaned out to UD Salamanca for the first half of the season.

Unfortunately, the youngster failed to appear as regularly as you would've hoped, notching a mere three appearances.

He was then sent back to Norway to play for Lillestrom, where he has been a regular for Lillestrom. Nordtveit looks to be a solid, reliable defender who is good in the air. He also has strong leadership ability.

Hopefully we will see him debuting for the Gunners next season. 

6. Vincent Van Der Berg, 20—FC Zwolle

The Dutchman has been unable to show his abilities at Zwolle due to frequent injuries. There is talent in the lad, but I do not think Arsenal want the youngster anymore.

7. Abu Ogogo, 19—Barnet

The defender who has worked his way up to Arsenal ranks saw himself loaned out to League Two side Barnet. The Englishman showed promise whilst at Barnet and even managed to score a goal, although he was sent off on two occasions.

But the teenager looks like a useful player and can play anywhere in the backline and even in the midfield. He should be strutting around for the Gunners in 2009-2010, but I have a feeling he may be sold to someone like Blackburn or Portsmouth.

8. Rene Steer, 19—Gillingham

The left back, who like Ogogo has worked his way up through the Arsenal ranks, was off to Gillingham in League Two for the second half of 2008-2009.

He was not a regular for the Gils but did feature here and there. Steer looks like a promising youngster and should feature in the Carling Cup for Arsenal next campaign.

9. Henri Lansbury, 19—Scunthorpe

A hugely talented attacking midfielder who is regarded as the next big thing at Arsenal. The teenager, who has been at Arsenal since he was nine, made two appearances for Arsenal in the Carling Cup before going off to League Two in late January.

The Englishman showed incredible form whilst with Scunthorpe, scoring four goals and setting up a bag of goals. He is another one who will no doubt feature for Arsenal next season.

10. Paul Rodgers, 19—Northampton Town

An imposing defender with a solid tackle. The defender was impressive at Northampton with a number of solid performances. He is likely to return to Arsenal for 2009-2010.

11. Gavin Hoyte, 19—Watford

The reserves' fearless leader and brother of former Arsenal player Justin completed his loan spell at Watford after he was sent there midway through the season.

After making a rather forgettable Premier League debut, the reserves captain has shown maturity and neat defending skills at Watford. He is also likely to return to Arsenal for 2009-2010.

Now for the older boys.

Kerrea Gilbert, 22—Leicester City

The English right back who went on his third loan spell in as many years has had a successful stint at Leicester, where he was a regular for the Championship side.

Having made his debut in 2005-2006 for the Gunners where in the same season he played Champions League football, Gilbert has gained some much-needed experience.

However, Leicester are extremely keen to make Gilbert's deal permanent, as Arsenal have Bacary, Sagna, Emmanuel Eboue, Gavin Hoyte, and Abu Ogogo all competing for a right back spot. Although he is talented, I can't see the Hammersmith-born defender at Arsenal.

Philippe Senderos, 24—AC Milan

The main talk of all the loaners is Philippe Senderos. The Swiss center half has featured over 60 times since joining the Gunners from Servette.

Senderos was loaned to Italian giants Milan at the start of the season. He was hampered by injury early on, but he has been a regular for Milan lately.

The Swiss international has said he wants to remain at the San Siro next season, but if Arsenal fail to sign a quality center half for next season, Senderos needs to stay. However, if Arsenal do sign a quality defender, most would be happy for the Swiss man to remain in Italy.