Daniel Boateng eyes loan deal to continue Arsenal development

Published on: 31 July 2012

Ghana-born defender Daniel Boateng is looking to continue his development out on loan as he looks to boost his chances of breaking into the first team of English side Arsenal.

The youngster spent part of last season at League Two champions Swindon Town and, although only making two appearances, valued his time spent with Paulo Di Canio’s side and particularly the influence of the Italian manager.

"It was important for me to be around a team that was winning most weeks,” Boateng told the club’s official website.

“The environment at the club was positive and I was impressed with the training.

“The manager [Paolo Di Canio] is the most enthusiastic man I've ever met. He's a very good manager. I would like to have played more though, because then I would have learnt even more than I did.”

And Boateng is looking to build on that first-team experience by securing another loan spell after speaking with Arsene Wenger about his future.

"I've spoken to the manager and I think that at this point in my career, it's important that I play as much competitive first team football as I can,” he continued

"Going on loan is going to make me stronger as a person, and hopefully push me closer to becoming a member of the first team."

The 19-year-old made his Arsenal debut last season in the League Cup against Bolton and has already had a taste of first team action with the Gunners in pre-season, starting in games against Anderlecht and Stevenage.

And Boateng realises that another loan spell could lead to increased first-team opportunities at the Emirates.

"I was pleased to start against Anderlecht. It was a tough game but I thought I did well,” he continued.

“Now I just want to get a good loan, do very well and then spend more time with the first team at Arsenal next season."

Meanwhile Sergie Gnabry, a summer signing from VFB Stuttgart in 2011, has signed his first professional contract with the club.

The young midfielder has been touted as a potential star of the future with pace, strength and a considerable eye for goal - a reputation substantiated by a memorable debut strike against Crystal Palace.

The German youth international went on to score six goals in eight appearances for the Under 18s and carried that form up to reserves level, netting twice in just six appearances.

And such sparkling form has resulted in him signing professional terms with the club, just a few weeks after turning 17.

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