Arsenal Transfer Prospect: Six First-Team Players Who Must Go on Loan in January

Since the Arsene Wenger era began in 1996, Arsenal have been renown for their exciting array of youngsters. Wenger has predominantly boasted team of youthful promise who grace the footballing world with sensational feats of talent. But before they receive their first team glory all youngsters at the Emirates are given short loan spells to the lower leagues.

For years now the North London giants have utilized their young talents by offloading them to lower clubs in a bid to ensure the youngsters gain valauble experience and are capable of making the tough transition from youth and reserve football to the shove and tug of lower league football.

The loan spells have benefited Arsenal greatly with the likes of current first team stars Alexandre Song, Kieran Gibbs, Carlos Vela, Nicklas Bendtner and Johan Djourou all growing immensely on their respective loan spells.

This campaign has been no different with an astounding thirteen players away on loan in England and Europe. In truth little over a quarter of those players may break into the first team whilst the rest will utilize this opportunity to showcase their skill to other clubs.

However with the January transfer window slowly approaching, Wenger should use the opportunity to loan out not only the usual array of youngster but the current first team players who are unable to gain sufficient game time.

Wenger has declined to use youth and fringe players in the Carling Cup, a competition the Frenchman predominantly used as a breeding ground for youngsters. However Wenger has opted to field strong team in a bid to break the Gunners notorious trophy drought.

Albeit it has been a successful ploy by Wenger with the Gunners reaching the semi-final of the Carling Cup, where they will encounter Championship side Ipswich Town, it has ensured some promising fringe players are unable to receive vital experience.

So come January here are six players who need to go on loan.

6. Connor Henderson

The 19 year old enjoyed a successful campaign with the Arsenal reserves and youth sides which prompted Henderson's involvement in the Arsenal's first team squads that took on Wigan Athletic and Fulham at the back end of last season. Although the English starlet did not feature for the first team, it highlighted the promise the young midfielder has to offer.

Henderson has continued to look impressive in the opening exchanges of the reserve season despite the odd injury issue. Henderson is yet to taste the experience of a loan spell and appears ready to prove his worth as a midfielder on a first team stage.

The Englishman has the potential to make it as an Arsenal first team player and a short stint in the Championship or League One could be just what Connor Henderson needs to prove his worth.

5. Gilles Sunu

A powerful, elegant striker who was impressive during a short loan spell with Championship outfit Derby County last season before injury hampered his spell. After overcoming various injuries the Frenchman is fighting fit and ready to experience a long loan spell in the Championship.

The 19 year old is a highly touted prospect who has caught the eye of a number of big name sides including Olympique Lyon and F.C. Girondins Bordeaux. Blessed with great speed, strength and balance beside a vicious shot, Sunu is capable of becoming a strong striker.

However a loan spell is desperately needed for the French sharp shooter.

4. Craig Eastmond

Touted as a future England prospect, Eastmond exhibits all the traits of a strong defensive midfielder. The 20 year old came to promise last season when the English young gun burst onto the Arsenal scene, finishing the season with seven first team appearances, four of which came in the Premier League.

Eastmond has made three more appearances this term and continues to impress. However the English midfielder is only receiving opportunities in the League Cup and come January it would be wise for the youngsters to be loaned out to the Championship, Scottish Premier League or possibly a struggling Premier League side.

3. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas

The 19 year old has been in superb form for the reserves this season, notching a hugely impressive 10 goals in 7 appearances, including one memorable strike. JET's efforts have earned hums four substitute appearances for the first team too this season.

Last season the Englishman enjoyed two successful loan spells last season at Doncaster Rovers and Blackpool, Emmanuel-Thomas made 12 appearances for Blackpool with two goals and 14 appearances for Rovers with five goals.

Arsene Wenger regards the striker very highly and has been impressed by his power,pace and versatility. The English striker is ready for a spell in the Premier League and reports suggest the likes of Blackpool, West Ham and Wolves are all interested in acquiring Jay Emmanuel-Thomas's talented presence.

2. Havard Nordtveit

Touted as one of the best young defensive prospect in Europe, a loan spell is probably not quite what Havard Nordtveit was expecting after spending the last two season on loan around Europe. Last season the Norwegian heavily impressed on a season long long with German giants Nurenberg FC where the 20 year old played on 20 occasions as not only a central defender but as a right back and defensive midfielder.

Nordtveit is now attempting to break into the Arsenal first tea to make his long awaited debut but with Wenger's lack of youth in the Carling Cup, a loan spell to a Premier League side may be just what the former FK Haugesund centre half needs.

Granted that if injury occurs than it will prompt Nordtveit to remain at the Emirates for the remianer of the season but should things continue as they are than Havard Nordtveit may need a loan spell.

1. Carlos Vela

2010/2011 was destined to be the season Carlos Vela establishes a permanent role in the Arsenal first team but yet the young Mexican is still unable to find consistent playing time, with the Carling Cup once again the only real fixture that features the 21 year old.

Vela has managed three goals in eleven appearances this term, eight of which came as substitutes. Rumours have it that a number of La Liga outfits are interested in the Mexican dynamo and are gearing for Janary bids. But the Mexican starlet is a superb prospect that Wenger needs to hold on to despite his lac of faith.

It's glaringly clear that Carlos Vela needs a Premier League or La Liga loan spell if Wenger continues his refusal to use his North American striker.