Arsenal-Owned Midfielder Olayinka Reveals Why He Joined Northampton Town On Loan

Arsenal midfielder James Olayinka has explained that he agreed to join promotion-chasing League Two club Northampton Town on loan in the January transfer window to enable him get used to the rigours of senior football.

Although the highly-rated teenager has turned out for the Gunners first team in friendly matches, he has yet to make his professional debut and came closest to playing his first official game when he was an unused substitute in last month's Europa League fixture at Standard Liege.

"I want to get a taste of men's football and league football and I want to get more experience because I can take that forward in my career," Olayinka told Northampton Chronicle & Echo.

"I think they've got a good team here, they're doing well in the league and I know they want to fight for automatic promotion.

"They press the ball, they play in the opposition's half, they play good football and score lots of goals so hopefully I can add to that.

"I'm relishing the challenge. It's always good to try new things, learn and gain more experience."

Last August, Olayinka showed Northampton Town what he can do by scoring against the club in an EFL Trophy clash while featuring for Arsenal U21s.

Izuchukwu Okosi

Photo Credit : ntfc.co.uk