Arsenal Loan Watch: January 24/25 Season Updates and Player Performances

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Welcome to this month’s Arsenal Loan Watch, your ultimate roundup of how the Gunners‘ loanees are faring across leagues in the 24/25 season. With the January transfer window in full swing, Arsenal’s loanees are making headlines with standout performances, crucial goals, and impressive development. Here’s an in-depth look at their progress, including potential impact on Arsenal’s future plans.

Reiss Nelson (Fulham)

Reiss Nelson Arsenal shirt

Appearances: 12 (Premier League), 2 (EFL Cup)

Goals/Assists: 1 goal, 1 assist (Premier League) 1 goal (EFL Cup)

Performance Highlights:

Promise with Room for Growth: While Nelson has shown flashes of brilliance and his creativity on the wing has often troubled opposition defenses, his goal and assist tally remains modest. His ability to beat defenders and create space for teammates has been promising, but he is yet to translate that consistently into direct goal contributions.

Injury Update: Currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, Nelson is expected to return to action around January 31, 2025.

Impact Upon Return:
Fulham sits in a precarious position mid-table, and Nelson’s return could provide a much-needed boost to their attacking options. His pace, dribbling ability, and knack for delivering in key moments could be pivotal in helping Fulham climb the standings or maintain a stable position. If Nelson can improve his goal and assist output, he could play a decisive role in their push for a strong finish to the 24/25 season.

Moreover, a solid second half of the season could bolster Nelson’s case for a significant role at Arsenal in the 2025/26 campaign. His ability to combine flair with end-product will be under the spotlight as he aims to finish the season on a high note.

Fábio Vieira (FC Porto)

Appearances: 11 (Primeira Liga), 2 (Taça de Portugal), 2 (Allianz Cup), 5 (UEFA Europa League)

Goals/Assists: 1 goal, 2 assists (Primeira Liga); 1 goal (UEFA Europa League)

Performance Highlights:

Impact on Porto’s Season: As Porto looks to challenge Benfica for the Primeira Liga title and make a deep run in the UEFA Europa League, Vieira’s creative ability and vision in the attacking midfield role could be pivotal. With his knack for threading key passes and contributing to build-up play, he offers Porto an additional dimension in attack. His set-piece delivery and ability to control the tempo of the game will be key assets in high-stakes matches during the second half of the season.

Future at Arsenal: Fábio Vieira’s performances at Porto this season have underlined his technical ability and creativity, attributes that align well with Arsenal’s playing style. Upon his return for the 2025/26 campaign, he could be an ideal backup to Martin Ødegaard in the attacking midfield role. His experience as a playmaker would allow Arsenal to maintain their fluidity in the final third, even when resting or rotating their captain. If he can improve his consistency and physicality during his loan spell, Vieira could emerge as a reliable squad player in Arsenal’s push for domestic and European success next season.

Marquinhos‘s Loan to Cruzeiro

After completing a loan spell at Fluminense, Brazilian winger Marquinhos has joined Cruzeiro on loan from Arsenal until December 31, 2025.

Loan Details:

  • Duration: January 9, 2025, to December 31, 2025
  • Previous Loan: Spent the 2024 season with Fluminense, making 29 appearances in all competitions.

Performance at Fluminense:

Prospects at Cruzeiro:

At Cruzeiro, Marquinhos aims to build on his experience, seeking more consistent playing time to further develop his skills. His versatility on the wings is expected to bolster Cruzeiro’s attacking options as they compete in the Brazilian Série A.

Future at Arsenal:

This loan spell is pivotal for Marquinhos to gain valuable match experience and showcase his potential. Arsenal will be monitoring his progress closely, evaluating his development for future integration into the first team upon his return.

Albert Sambi Lokonga (Sevilla FC)

Albert Sambi Lokonga joined Sevilla FC on a season-long loan from Arsenal on July 15, 2024.

Loan Details:

  • Option to Buy: Sevilla holds an option to purchase Lokonga for €12 million (£10 million) at the end of the loan period.
  • Sell-On Clause: If Sevilla exercises the purchase option, Arsenal is entitled to 25% of any future transfer fee involving Lokonga.

2024/25 Season Performance:

  • Appearances: 13 matches
  • Goals/Assists: 0 goals, 0 assists
  • Minutes Played: 938 minutes

Lokonga has been a consistent presence in Sevilla’s midfield, contributing defensively and facilitating transitions.

Future Prospects:

  • Permanent Transfer: Should Lokonga continue to impress, Sevilla may opt to activate the €12 million purchase clause, securing his services beyond the current season. The inclusion of a 25% sell-on clause ensures Arsenal benefits from any future transfers involving Lokonga.
  • Return to Arsenal: Alternatively, if Sevilla decides against a permanent move, Lokonga will return to Arsenal, where his enhanced experience and development could provide additional depth to the midfield options.

This loan spell serves as a pivotal opportunity for Lokonga to showcase his talents on a prominent stage, influencing his career trajectory and potential role within Arsenal’s future plans.

Nuno Tavares (SS Lazio)

Nuno Tavares joined SS Lazio on loan from Arsenal in July 2024, with the Italian club holding an option to make the move permanent.

2024/25 Season Performance:

  • Appearances: 15 (Serie A)
  • Assists: 8

Tavares has emerged as a key contributor for Lazio, leading Serie A with eight assists in his first eight appearances.

His offensive prowess from the left-back position has been instrumental in Lazio’s attacking strategies, marking this as a breakout season for the Portuguese defender.

Permanent Transfer Option:

Lazio has the option to purchase Tavares for approximately €7–8 million (£5.9–6.7 million) at the end of the loan period, with Arsenal retaining a 20% sell-on clause.

Given Tavares’s outstanding performances, Lazio’s president, Claudio Lotito, has expressed a strong desire to secure his services permanently, reportedly stating he wouldn’t sell Tavares “not even for €70 million.”

Tavares’s impressive form has also earned him his first call-up to the Portugal national team, reflecting his significant development this season.

Karl Hein (Real Valladolid)

Estonian goalkeeper Karl Hein joined Real Valladolid on loan from Arsenal in August 2024.

2024/25 Season Performance:

  • Appearances: 20 matches
    • LaLiga: 19 appearances
    • Copa del Rey: 1 appearance
  • Clean Sheets: 5
  • Goals Conceded: 37 in LaLiga
  • Minutes Played: 1,755

Hein has been an ever-present figure for Real Valladolid, playing every minute of the LaLiga season to date.

Despite the team’s defensive challenges, he achieved a notable milestone by keeping clean sheets in the first three home matches, equaling a club record from the 1988-89 season.

Future Prospects:

As Hein continues to gain valuable first-team experience in Spain’s top flight, his development is closely monitored by Arsenal. His consistent performances, despite a high number of goals conceded, suggest potential for future contributions upon his return. The loan spell at Real Valladolid serves as a critical period for Hein to refine his skills and resilience in a competitive environment.

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