Author: Staff Writer

Arsenal and Yeovil Town have agreed to cancel Luke Freeman’s loan spell with immediate effect. The striker, who is currently injured, returned to London this afternoon.

Freeman agreed on a move to Huish Park in the summer; rejecting an offer from Queens Park Rangers after manager Terry Skiverton promised the youngster regular playing time. Luke settled quickly, scoring on his debut, but playing time in recent weeks has been hard to come by.

Yeovil confirmed the news today, blaming Luke’s injury problems as the main reason behind the decision. However, it’s believed that the 18-year-olds struggle to adapt to life in League One is also a driving force, with Skiverton opting to use the former Gillingham striker as an impact substitute.

Freeman made 15 appearances, scoring two goals during his time with Yeovil. Arsenal will look to find a new loan club for Luke once he completes his treatment.

Aaron Ramsey is back. The Welshman pulled on an Arsenal shirt for the first time in nine months yesterday as his rehabilitation from a broken tibia and fibula entered it’s latter stages.

The venue or even the opponents were not glamorous, but for Ramsey, it was a start some feared he would never make. The 19-year-old turned in a decent and encouraging shift in the middle of the park, but came off at half time. The signs were positive, though. He had won tackles, gone into 50:50’s and brushed off some of the cob webs with a few passes and shots.

Arsène Wenger confirmed Aaron would be a regular fixture for the Reserves in the coming weeks when talking about the midfielder last month. That would suit Neil Banfield, who spoke yesterday about the influence the former Cardiff City is having, perfectly.

“They can learn from his energy and his enthusiasm for the game. He’s only young himself when you think about it. He’s come out today in his first game and it’s great to see him back on the pitch.”

“Hopefully he will have another run out with longer pitch time.”

Ramsey tired towards the end of the half yesterday but his impatience to gain the required match fitness to feature for the first team is evident. The next second string fixture is against West Brom on the 7th of December, in two weeks time. Aaron looks certain to play some part yet behind closed door friendlies are another realistic option.

The hope is that Ramsey will have progressed sufficiently to play a part in Arsenal’s busy Christmas period.

Henri Lansbury has joined Norwich City on a one month loan deal. The Canaries, who have a strong relationship with Arsenal’s Head of Youth Development officer Liam Brady, moved to sign Lansbury following a collection of midfield injuries.

Lansbury moves on a 28-day emergency loan deal. Norwich manager Paul Lambert spoke positively of his latest acquisition in an interview with News First this afternoon.

“I’m delighted Arsenal have agreed to let Henri come here. I saw him when he was at Watford and Scunthorpe and he’s a quality young player, very positive in his play.”

“We have been hit with injuries and midfield is one of the areas where we needed strengthening. Henri gives us more options in there which is important.”

You can follow Henri’s progress throughout his stay with Norwich in our regular Loanees reports.

Samuel Galindo will be a ‘niche’ member of Arsène Wenger’s first-team squad in the future. The Bolivian midfielder has revealed details of the conversations he had with Wenger before joining Spanish Segunda outfit UD Salamanca on loan.

Galindo has had a slow start to life in Spain following several set backs over a work visa. It meant he couldn’t take part in Salamanca’s pre-season preparations and finally linked up with the squad just a week before the league opener.

However, he is now making an impression. A goal on his debut for the ‘B’ team followed by several impressive performances from the bench have made Samuel an instant fans favourite. The Union’s sponsors moved last week to give him a brand new Audi A1 car; further proof of just how well he has settled in.

The future though, is all about Arsenal. The 18-year-old completed last season training with the Gunners first team and looks back on that time fondly.

“The experience of being in London and training with the first team before coming to Salamanca was wonderful. Both Cesc and Vela helped me most when I came to England. Carlos took me to the training in his car and both of them acted as a translator.”

Wenger’s influence on the left footed midfielder has been telling. Although used as a winger during training games, a future as a box-to-box central player seems likely. Comparisons have been made with his idol Juan Román Riquelme, but many believe he boasts a playing style similar to former Arsenal star Edu.

The move to Salamanca all happened very quickly, but Wenger did find time to hold a meeting with the prospect and discuss the future. Galindo explained what was said and his feelings about his new coach.

“I was very impressed with Arsène Wenger. He is a great coach and immediately gave me confidence to enjoy what I do on the pitch.”

“Wenger told me to learn everything I can in Salamanca and he would make me grow into a niche player in Arsenal. He told me to learn all I can. To grow as a player and he will make a space for me at Arsenal.”

Galindo is expected to feature on a regular basis in the second half of the season, following the winter break.

Welcome to this weekends Loanees Watch – Young Guns’ analysis, reports and updates on the progress of the young starlets currently plying their trade away from the Emirates Stadium. You can read all the latest reports below.

Vito Mannone claimed a second consecutive clean-sheet as Hull City’s good form continued with a 1-0 win over Ipswich Town. Mannone was forced into making two early saves, one notably from Jason Scotland, but was otherwise untroubled.

Kyle Bartley completed another 90 minutes at centre half as Sheffield United beat Crystal Palace 3-2 at home. Bartley showed impressive composure and leadership in a game which saw two penalties and two red cards.

Sanchez Watt played 85 minutes for Leeds United Reserves in a 6-3 win over Hull City in midweek, but was not part of the squad that drew 1-1 with Norwich City. Watt is expected to be involved next week after recovering from injury.

Benik Afobe came off the bench to play the final 15 minutes of Huddersfield Town’s 1-0 defeat to Exeter City. Afobe, who was rested due to worries from manager Lee Clark about burn out, replaced Jordan Rhodes but didn’t have any real chances to score.

Cédric Evina played the full 90 minutes in midfield for Oldham Athletic as they beat Dagenham and Redbridge 1-0. Evina impressed in his role, and almost played in a part in the opener, with Dagenham defender Will Antwi almost turning the Frenchman’s cross into his own net.

Thomas Cruise played 79 minutes at left back for Carlisle United as they lost 2-1 to Walsall. Cruise, who was initially awarded the opening goal before it was given to striker Mike Grella, came off late on as United looked for an equaliser.

Gavin Hoyte wrapped up another 90 minutes at right back as Lincoln City beat Hereford United 3-1.

Luke Freeman was not part of the Yeovil Town squad that lost 3-2 to Charlton Athletic.

Mark Randall missed Rotherham’s 1-0 win over Crewe due to a shoulder injury.

Francis Coquelin came off the bench to play the final 24 minutes as Lorient lost 2-0 to Sochaux. Coquelin’s introduction helped protect the defence in the closing stages, but the damage was already done.

Armand Traoré was an unused substitute for Juventus was they beat Genoa 2-0.

Nacer Barazite was left out of the Vitesse Arnhem squad that beat Heracles 2-0. New coach Albert Ferrer says Barazite must earn his place in the Vitesse squad for next weeks fixture.

Pedro Botelho played the full 90 minutes on the left of a front three as FC Cartagena beat Real Betis 2-1. Botelho turned in another solid shift, but in a new position. The Brazilian came close to equalising after Betis took the lead, having his shot turned off the post.

Samuel Galindo came off the bench to play the final three minutes of UD Salamanca’s 4-2 win over Las Palmas. Galindo, who was given a brand new Audi A1 by Salamanca’s sponsors Audi, is expected to feature much more in the second half of the season.

Arsenal are closing in on new contracts for Reserve team duo Håvard Nordtveit and Oğuzhan Özyakup. The pair are in different situations with their current deals, but are expected to seal extensions shortly.

Nordtveit has been in talks with the club since July, when agent Jim Solbakken flew into London and began negotiations. However, with 12 months left on his current deal, there has been no immediate rush to finalise an agreement.

Özyakup’s situation is a little more pressing. His current deal expires at the end of the season and reports in both Holland and Turkey suggest PSV Eindhoven have been in touch with his representatives and are willing to make an offer. Oğuzhan dismissed the speculation last month and confirmed his desire is to stay with Arsenal. Ivan Gazidis has since made an offer, which the 18-year-old is believed to be on the verge of signing.

Håvard and Oğuzhan have been regular features for the Reserve team this year but may well be set to go on loan in the new year, should they secure their stay in North London.

Huddersfield Town are in talks to extend Benik Afobe’s loan spell from Arsenal beyond the current December 4th deadline. Afobe has had a flying start to his career in Yorkshire and manager Lee Clark wants to extend the loan into the new year.

Arsenal had previously informed The Terriers that Benik would be required for the Under 18’s FA Youth Cup run, so an extension would be out of the question. However, after settling so quickly and impressing Clark, Huddersfield hope they can convince Arsène Wenger to sanction his stay.

You can view video highlights of Benik’s matches with Huddersfield so far, including his goals and assist against Rotherham, by clicking here.

Barcelona will send their Juvenil A squad to compete alongside Arsenal’s Under 18’s at the 2011 Dr. Pepper Dallas Cup in July. The Catalan giants confirmed their place in the ‘SuperGroup’ yesterday.

Arsenal announced they had accepted an invitation to enter the competition earlier this season, and the hosts had promised to land more big names. The SuperGroup has seen many of the best clubs in the world compete over the course of its 31 year history. These include Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Chelsea, but this will be both The Gunners and Barça’s inaugural year.

Corinthians, Tigres, Alajuelense, Chorrillo FC and Eintracht Frankfurt are set to make up a strong group at Under 19 level. Arsenal and Barcelona are among the early favourites for the competition with both having excellent achievements at youth level in recent years. Barça’s Juvenil A side boasts a selection of highly rated prospects including former Arsenal target Gerard Deuloufeu.

It will be the first trip to America by any Arsenal team while Barcelona are still exploring the US market. Dallas Cup Executive Director Gordon Jago believes the participation of both sides is a split between commercial and football reasons.

“They are going to make a push for branding in the U.S. with some personal appearances while they are here. They are planning on putting on a clinic for players and coaches in the tournament.”

Young Guns will be working alongside the Dallas Cup to bring you more information about the tournament closer to it’s start. You can view more information via their website at www.dallascup.com.