Arsenal set to enter striker talks as 18-year-old makes career decision – report
By Will Butcher
Arsenal are likely to be inundated with offers from Championship clubs in the summer as Stephy Mavididi wants to try his luck in England’s second tier, according to a report.
The Sun’s transfer expert Alan Nixon claimed in his Sunday column (page 67) that the 18-year-old forward has told Arsenal that he wants to sign for a Championship club on loan next season.
The Derby-born striker is desperate to advance his career to the next level and believes a temporary stay at a Championship club will give him the best chance of doing that.
Mavididi was on loan at League One side Charlton earlier this term after completing a January loan move to the Addicks, but suffered a hamstring tear that ruled him out for four months.
It saw his loan move with Karl Robinson’s side end early, as he returned to north London to undergo rehab after undergoing an operation to correct the problem.
A regular for Arsenal’s reserve side before his move to the Valley, Mavididi has 40 appearances under his belt with the Gunners’ second string, finding the back of the net 20 times.
Now, the powerful forward, who can play as a centre forward, on the left flank or as a number 10, will be expected to leave on loan for a second time ahead of the 2017-18 season.
Football Insider verdict:
Mavididi is hugely unlikely to be given a chance in Arsenal’s first team. The likes of Olivier Giroud, Alexis Sanchez, Lucas Perez and Danny Welbeck all occupy first-team slots, while Chuba Akpom would be the first striker manager Wenger would turn to if an injury crisis was to occur. Using Benik Afobe as an example, Mavididi should go out on loan in order to try and catch the eye of Wenger with a Championship club and allow his stock to grow. If he is able to impress while out on loan, he might be given a chance to prove himself back at Arsenal. It could also see Mavididi impress other clubs, with a permanent move likely to give the striker more first-team game time.
In other Arsenal transfer news, fans will be delighted after Wenger gave a transfer update regarding the future of this senior defender.
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