The reason transfer of Arsenal's Nigerian defender to Sunderland fell through on deadline day

Published: September 02, 2021

Arsenal's Nigerian defender Ryan Alebiosu had been expected to complete a transfer to League One club Sunderland on deadline day but the move did not happen.

Apart from Alebiosu, allnigeriasoccer.com can report with certainty that two other players of Nigerian descent namely James Olayinka and Tim Akinola were angling for loan moves away from the Emirates Stadium but will be staying put at the Gunners until at least January 2022 after they were unable to secure moves.

Alebiosu's Italian-born intermediary Roberto De Fanti previously informed this website that the Black Cats were genuinely interested in his client, only for the proposed deal to collapse at the last minute.

According to Northern Echo, Sunderland shelved their interest in the Arsenal right-back after completing loan deals for Union Berlian striker Leon Dajaku and Bayern Munich glovesman Ron-Thorben Hoffman, taking the number of players loaned in to at least five.

According to section 54.4 of the EFL regulations, 'a maximum of 5 Players registered on a Temporary Loan Transfer can be named in the Players listed on a team sheet for any individual match played under the auspices of The League'.

Alebiosu's chances of first team opportunities in the first half of the season are remote, with the Gunners adding Japan fullback Takehiro Tomiyasu to their roster on deadline day.

The Hale End Academy product has not played competitively for Arsenal youth teams in the new season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com

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