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Charlton Athletic are hopeful of agreeing a loan deal for Arsenal striker Zak Ansah. The England Under 17 international is expected to move to the The Valley next season.

Ansah is still finding his feet at Arsenal after signing scholarship terms last summer, but the Addicks, who are managed by Zak’s Godfather Chris Powell, are hoping to seal a loan move.

It’s not yet clear whether the deal would happen at the start of the campaign, or later on, but his father confirmed he is set to make the move across London next year in an interview with the Charlton match day program.

“Zak’s at Arsenal until he’s 19 and we’re pleased with his progress. Our plan is that he is strong enough and good enough next year to be able to come on loan to The Valley.”

Andy Ansah, a former professional footballer turned TV personality, is a life long Charlton fan and enjoys a close relationship with manager Powell. Zak would follow in the foot steps of Luke Freeman and Benik Afobe, who both virtually bypassed Reserve team football to play in League One.

Arsenal will set out on the long journey home from America this evening, after completing the club’s first visit to the US in the modern era. A semi-final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt ended their hopes of winning the Dallas Cup, but both players and coaches admit they they’ve learnt a lot from the experience.

You need luck on your side to win any competition, and when it came to it, the Gunners had little. The last minute injuries to key players Luke Freeman and Josh Rees meant they went into the final game massively under strength, and it tolled. However, despite the defeat, Steve Bould and Neil Banfield can be proud of the efforts the boys made.

The experience the players gained in playing against different styles, physiques and attitudes to the game will stand them in good stead for the future. A number of players, such as Freeman, Deacon, Henderson, Angha and Martínez continued to add to their growing reputation, while the young and improving Rees, Ebecilio, Ansah and Monakana also turned in good shifts. All in all, this looks another good crop.

The summer will bring decisions on the futures a select few, including Oğuzhan Özyakup and George Brislen-Hall, who are looking increasingly likely to leave. That said, loan spells for Freeman, Henderson and one or two others will help push them onto another level.

Mostly importantly though, the Dallas Cup has paved the way for future Arsenal involvement in America. The large turn out of fans, despite it being an Under 19 team, was impressive. The players and coaching staff have both commented on how much they’ve enjoyed the setup, and with a growing number of supporters groups and interested from Stateside Gooners, it makes more sense for Arsenal to continue to explore that market, as opposed to the Asian one.

All in all, the Dallas Cup 2011 has been a sound experience for all connected with the club. The job now if for Banfield to use the Frankfurt defeat as inspiration for his sides final Premier Reserve League game of the season, against Manchester United.

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.

Carlos Vela played the full 90 minutes as West Brom drew 2-2 with Tottenham Hotspur. Vela began on the left wing, and assisted the opener, crossing for Peter Odemwingie to score. The Mexican showed some neat touches in the wide areas, and is set to continue in that role in the coming weeks.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas came off the bench to play the final 13 minutes of Cardiff City’s 2-2 draw with Queens Park Rangers. Emmanuel-Thomas played out the closing stages of the game on the right wing, but struggled to get involved.

Henri Lansbury came off the bench to play the final 14 minutes of Norwich City’s 5-1 win over Ipswich Town. The midfielder had little to do after coming on, but did work a great chance for Andrew Surman, only for his volley to fly inches over the bar.

Vito Mannone started and played 45 minutes of Hull City’s 4-2 defeat to Middlesbrough. Mannone was withdrawn at half time after suffering a re-occurance of a long standing shoulder injury.

Sanchez Watt came off the bench to play the final 9 minutes of Leeds United’s 0-0 draw against Reading. Watt almost scored the winner in the closing stages of the game, when he flicked the ball past Alex McCarthy, only for him to poke the follow up wide. It was his first appearance after returning from a number of knocks.

Craig Eastmond was not included in the Millwall squad that beat Preston North End 4-0.

Benik Afobe played 76 minutes as Huddersfield Town beat The MK Dons 3-1. Afobe turned in another Man of the Match display, which included winning a late penalty. Benik asked to take it, but was refused by Scott Arfield who missed.

Mark Randall was an unused substitute as Rotherham United drew 2-2 with Northampton Town.

Ryo Miyaichi played the full 90 minutes as Feyenoord beat PSV 3-1. Miyaichi showed some bright early touches, but found it difficult to be involved late on, as he was double marked.

Francis Coquelin started and played 85 minutes as Lorient drew 1-1 with Lille. Coquelin played on the right of midfield, and turned in an impressive shift. After a quiet first half, he made an impression in the second, making several key tackles and stamping out the threat of reported Arsenal-target Eden Hazard. Gilles Sunu was an unused substitute.

Armand Traoré was an unused substitute as Juventus drew 2-2 with Catania.

Wellington Silva was not included in the Levante side that lost 4-1 to Atletico Madrid.

Pedro Botelho played the full 90 minutes as FC Cartagena drew 1-1 with Real Valladolid. Botelho returned after suspension to play the whole game at left back, although did cause danger in attacking areas, delivering a handful of crosses from the wing.

Samuel Galindo was a stoppage time substitute as UD Salamanca beat Girona FC 1-0. Galindo came off the bench in the 92nd minute, as The Union looked to run the clock down.

Kyle Bartley will contemplate leaving Arsenal this summer, should Arsène Wenger sign a centre back. The 19-year-old is seeking assurances over his future, amid speculation of a deal for PSG’s Mamadou Sakho.

Bartley is back at Arsenal for treatment after sustaining medial ligament damage during his hugely successful loan spell with Rangers. The youngster earned rave reviews in Scotland, and The Gers have already enquired about a second loan spell, which Arsenal have initially turned down.

The former Bolton trainee is expecting to be rewarded for his impressive displays with a place in the Arsenal first-team, but if that fails to materialise, he is all but certain to ask for a transfer. Future Rangers manager Ally McCoist has already indicated he would be a key part of his plans next season, and they would be willing to double Kyle’s wages, as a sign of just how highly they rate him.

Any potential move away hinges on what business Arsène Wenger does this summer. A move for PSG’s Mamadou Sakho has long since been talked up, and while Arsenal have been keeping tabs on the Frenchman, suggestions of an imminent deal seems wide of the mark.

Bartley is expected back in full training at the end of May.

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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.

Carlos Vela came off the bench to play the final 18 minutes of West Brom’s 3-1 defeat to Chelsea. Vela replaced James Morrison on the left of a five man midfield and looked dangerous in the closing stages. He first won a free-kick after a foul by John Terry, then he skipped down the wing and crossed for Chris Brunt, who headed straight at the ‘keeper.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was not included in Cardiff City team that beat Portsmouth 3-0, due to Football League rules. Emmanuel-Thomas may have scored in midweek, but a ban on more than five on loan players being used in one squad saw him miss the final cut.

Henri Lansbury came off the bench to play the final 30 minutes of Norwich City’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest. Henri made a positive impact after coming on, creating two goal scoring chances for Simeon Jackson with through balls. He almost grabbed one for himself, though, but his stoppage time effort was easy for Lee Camp.

Vito Mannone played the full 90 minutes as Hull City beat Doncaster Rovers 3-1. The Italian only returned to full fitness in midweek, but turned in a solid shift in The Tigers goal, as their promotion push continues.

Sanchez Watt missed Leeds United’s 2-2 draw with Watford through injury.

Craig Eastmond was not included in the Millwall team that lost 2-1 to Coventry.

Benik Afobe started and played 86 minutes of Huddersfield Town’s 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic.

Mark Randall was not included in the Rotherham United team that drew 0-0 with Hereford United.

Ryo Miyaichi played the full 90 minutes and scored twice as Feyenoord beat Willem II 6-1. Miyaichi helped the Rotterdam outfit come from behind, with an assist for Luc Castaignos, before scoring from close range to put the hosts in front. Ryo then bagged another assist, before turning home from close range for Feyenoord’s sixth and final goal.

Francis Coquelin played 82 minutes and scored the winner as Lorient beat Rennes 2-1. Coquelin turned home from close range in the 62nd, for what proved to be the winner. Gilles Sunu came off the bench to play the final six minutes.

Armand Traoré was an unused substitute as Juventus drew 0-0 with Fiorentina

Wellington Silva was not included in the Levante team that beat Hercules 2-1.

Pedro Botelho missed Cartagena’s 5-0 defeat to Real Betis through suspension.

Samuel Galindo was an unused substitute as UD Salamanca lost 1-0 to Las Palmas.

Francis Coquelin is long since earned a reputation as a highly rated defensive midfielder. His ability to protect his back four is summed up by the fact he has failed to have a single shot on target during his time in Ligue One with Lorient.

However, the Frenchman did register his first effort on target today, and scored, as Lorient beat Rennes 2-1. It was his first goal in professional football.

You can watch Francis’ strike here.

Arsenal began the long flight to Texas this morning ahead of the clubs first visit to America in the Arsène Wenger era, as a squad made up of Under 19 players challenges for the Dallas Cup.

The Gunners will take part in the competitions show piece, the Gordon Jago SuperGroup, which sees some of the most prestigious names in world football go head-to-head. Arsenal know they could face Barcelona or even the Japan national team if they progress to the knock out stages.

The first of three games in four days kicks off on Sunday, against local side The Dallas Texans. Panama’s Chorrillo FC and Bolivia’s Club Bolivar make up a challenging start to the competition.

To shed some light on what the Dallas Cup is all about, Young Guns caught up with Chief Executive and the man behind the famed SuperGroup, Gordon Jago. He began by giving an introduction to the tournament.

“The Dallas Cup was started by the local Texas Longhorns Soccer Club in 1980 with a total of 36 teams. A far cry from today, which restricts its entry by invitation to 180 teams.”

“We have seven age groups. The SuperGroup Under 19’s, Under 19 and then every age group from Under 17 to Under 13. The SuperGroup attracts the top clubs from around the world, with previous winners including Sao Paulo, Liverpool FC, SC Corinthians, Nottingham Forest FC, Real Madrid, West Ham United FC and Dynamo Moscow.”

“Some of the past players to feature are David Beckham, Robinho, Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, Edu, Peter Crouch, Jermaine Defoe, Landon Donovan, Javier Hernandez, Clint Dempsey and Guiseppe Rossi”.

Arsenal were invited to the competition last year, as a special agreement the organisers have with the Premier League. Gordon went to explain a little more about that, and how he found Arsenal to deal with.

“We have an arrangement with the Premier League whereby the winners each year of the Premier Academy League receive an invite to play in the tournament. Arsenal FC being the winners in 2010, accepted the invitation for this year. They couldn’t come after winning it in 2009, due to other commitments.”

“We contacted Liam Brady the Academy Director and the cooperation from all at Arsenal FC has been first class.”

The Dallas Cup is regarded by many as one the top tournaments in youth football. However, running such an expansive operation on and off the pitch is hard work. Gordon revealed some of the logistics he and his team deal with.

“The logistics are just unbelievable. The Dallas Cup employs four people but has just over 2000 volunteers organized by 32 Committee Chairpersons.”

“We have 180 teams, over 200 referees and 360 games. That works out as 8000 hotel room nights needing to be booked. There is 30 visiting overseas teams involved in our home stay program, whereby the teams players stay with the families of the local Dallas teams that are playing in the tournament. There is around $500,000 in air tickets sold by American Airlines, just for the Dallas Cup.”

“International teams, like Arsenal, will visit Children’s Hospitals, visit local schools for meet and greet, and take advantage of social activities like Pro Baseball and Basket ball games. There is a tour of the New Cowboys Stadium and JFK Memorial center, all organized by the Dallas Cup.”

“As stated, it is incredible that it all comes together, especially as I am supposed to be retired!”

Gordon completed the interview with his view on Arsenal’s new owner, Stan Kroenke.

“It’s a great move by Arsenal. Mr Kroenke will bring all the promotion, marketing and sales expertise from his ownership of American sports teams to Arsenal FC. It’s a very positive move.”

You can follow all the latest on the Dallas Cup right here on Young Guns.

Wellington Silva has backed out of plans to play for Brazil’s Under 18’s at next weeks International Mediterranean Cup, after a row with loan club Levante.

Silva was called up by Brazil coach Ney Franco last month, with Levante initially giving the player the green light to feature. However, they have since refused to release the 18-year-old for training ahead of the start of the competition, leading to the frustrated Wellington deciding to drop out.

The training stint was seen as a chance for the players to impress Franco, with starting berths up for grabs. Yet Silva felt he was destined for a place on the bench, as he wouldn’t have the opportunity to earn a place for himself.

Franco has since moved to offer the winger assurances that he will be involved in future squads, including a possible appearance at the Under 20 World Cup in Columbia in July.

You can follow updates on all of Arsenal’s Brazilian players over at Brazil Gunners.

Thomas Vermaelen is set to feature for Arsenal’s Reserve team before the end of the season, according to BBC journalist David Ornstein. Vermaelen has now returned to training following successful surgery on his Achilles.

The 25-year-old was scheduled to play for the second string in February, after turning to surgery to cure a long standing Achilles tendon problem, which has kept him out since September. However, Arsène Wenger later back tracked, and ruled Vermaelen out until the end of the season

Since then, Thomas has been training on his own at London Colney and is said to be making impressive progress. The club are now looking to arrange a selection of ‘behind closed doors’ friendly games to introduce the defender back to action, as there is only one game left in the Premier Reserve League season.

It unlikely that Vermaelen will play for the first-team again this term, but a spell with the Reserves is seen as the ideal opportunity to build up his fitness ahead of pre-season.