Arsenal's Emmanuel Frimpong Is a Rumoured Saint-Etienne Loan Target

Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong has made his way into the January transfer talk. The defensive midfielder's name has been thrown around as a potential loan target for Saint-Etienne.

A report on Arseblog picked up on the rumor from the French website actuafoot.fr (report in French). A loan deal for Frimpong may be what is needed by all parties.

Frimpong is known for being aggressive in the tackle and having a motor that never quits. He has impressed at times throughout his young career, but he has found himself on the outside looking in on Arsenal's stacked midfield.

The talented midfielder has overcome two knee injuries that have robbed him of much-needed development time. A loan to Saint-Etienne from Arsenal would give Arsene Wenger the opportunity to see if he fits into Arsenal's future plans.

For Saint-Etienne, Frimpong would give them a talented ball winner in the midfield. He is a player whose defensive skill set can help ASSE stay in position for a second-straight European spot.

Frimpong's physical play fits right into the Ligue 1 style. He does not possess the high-end passing or technical ability associated with most Arsenal players, but he is efficient and did not seem out of depth when playing in the Premier League.

For Frimpong, a loan deal to ASSE would give him the opportunity to audition for his future at Arsenal. Even if Wenger decides Frimpong is no longer in his plans, a stint at Saint-Etienne could turn into a long-term deal, or see another team swoop in for his services.

In the end, this is a loan deal that would make sense for all parties involved. Frimpong has the ability to be a very solid defensive midfielder. He just needs the opportunity.