Afobe Open To Loan Deal

Arsenal youngster Benik Afobe has indicated a willingness to go out on loan this season to bolster his experience. The 19 year old Hale End Academy product is currently with the first team on their tour of Asia, one of only two strikers on the tour with Podolski, Giroud, Bendtner, van Persie and Arshavin left at home and Carlos Vela having been sold.

The affable youngster enjoyed a very productive spell at Huddersfield in 2010-11, earning plaudits for his performances as the Terriers got to the League One playoffs. Last season saw Afobe`s development curtailed as he picked up a groin injury on the eve of the new season, keeping him out until the spring. He did manage to get two months at Reading under his belt as the Royal sealed promotion in May.

The pacey centre forward acknowledged the value of both spells to his progression and told Sky Sports he would be open to another term elsewhere in order to service his dream of playing for Arsenal; "If the gaffer wants me to go out on loan for six months, or even the whole season, then I would relish that opportunity because playing for Reading last year was very beneficial for me,' Afobe said.

'However, my main aim has always been, and will always be, playing for Arsenal.

'It was a great experience for me to join a side pushing for promotion to the Premier League and all the boys and coaching staff there were really nice.

'They made it really easy for me to blend in and get back playing football again, so it was a great spell for me overall.'

Benik was enthusiastic about his prospects for the upcoming season with injury now behind him, "'Being out for six to seven months is always going to be hard for any player, but especially for a player that is still trying to break through into the first team.

'The season finished really well for me though and hopefully this year will be an injury-free one for me.'

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