When Arsenal decide where they will send their young stars on loan, a meticulous process of assessment takes place. A collaborative effort between the manager Mikel Arteta, technical director Edu, Academy lead Per Mertesacker and Loan Manager Ben Knapper, to name just a few, takes place to decide the best destination for a player.
However, despite all the best preparation possible and consideration of often many different offers, sometimes things simply don’t work out. Through factors both in and out of the control of the player, minutes aren’t always forthcoming and that appears to be the case for Arsenal's Omar Rekik.
The Tunisian senior international joined Sparta Rotterdam on loan from the Gunners in the summer and was anticipating regular opportunity to play in the Eredivisie. The season started like it can for many young loanees, with a substitute appearance in a 0-0 draw with Heerenveen.
