Should Nigerian midfielder push for a loan or permanent transfer from Arsenal?

The transfer window is an avenue of opportunities for players around the world. For youngsters who are close to their club's first team, it is an important time to make decisions on their career progression.

One of such youngsters is Arsenal's youngster James Olayinka. The 21-year-old midfielder is set to be classified as a senior player this season and while he is being linked with a move away from the club, it is not yet known if it will be a loan move or a permanent one.

Since transfer moves are decided by both the decisions of the club and player, should Olayinka push for a loan or permanent move from Arsenal?

Allnigeriasoccer.com takes a look at the situation to arrive at a verdict on which decision the midfielder should take.

One thing that is very important in the progression of a youngster, is game-time. How much game-time can Olayinka get in the first team next season?

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal now plays a Juego De Posición tactical set-up which focuses on precise build-up play at the back.

The central midfielders are expected to be highly oriented in possession and also be able to progress play in the third phase of the pitch effectively.

Arsenal have Fabio Vieira, Martin Odegaard, Granit Xhaka and Emile Smith Rowe as the progressors from midfield, however, Smith Rowe has mainly been deployed from the flanks which means Vieira, Xhaka and Odegaard still need adequate depth.

One would think that Olayinka has a better chance of making it to the first team and get some game-time in Cup games and Europa group games.

However, the Gunners have been linked with moves for players like Lucas Paqueta and Youri Tielemans which further blocks Olayinka's chances.

With the oldest among the above-mentioned players being Granit Xhaka at 29 years old followed by Tielemans at 25 years old, it is clear that these players can lock down the midfield position for the next 7-8 years.

Olayinka does not have that luxury and allnigeriasoccer thinks he may need to push for a permanent move especially if one or both of Tielemans and Paqueta are signed.

Sofoluwe Mayowa

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