Arsenal youngster Dan Crowley joins Oxford on season-long loan

Young gun: Crowley with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
James Benge1 July 2016

Highly-rated Arsenal youth prospect Dan Crowley will spend next season on loan at Oxford United.

The 18-year-old midfielder, identified as a player with similar potential to Jack Wilshere, began the 2015/16 season on loan at League One side Barnsley but will look to make a greater impression under Michael Appleton than he did last season.

Crowley’s loan was terminated on October 30 with Barnsley concerned as to how the youngster would cope in the English lower leagues. However he will be given an opportunity to prove them wrong at newly-promoted Oxford and is eager to make a big impression.

“I’m glad to have the opportunity here,” Crowley said.

Arsene Wenger's young guns

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“It’s obviously a club that is going places and did really well last season so I’m looking forward to settling in, working hard in pre-season and being part of a successful side again this time around.”

Crowley, an England under-19 international who is also eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland, was signed from Aston Villa in 2013, Arsenal paying £209,000 in compensation.

Though he is yet to make a competitive appearance for Arsenal he was part of the travelling squad on last year’s tour of Singapore and remains highly thought of at the Emirates.

Michael Appleton, his new manager at Oxford, said: “He is a really talented player, very creative and good on the ball. He sees a pass and an opportunity very quickly and can play just behind the striker, in midfield or coming in off the flanks so he offers us plenty of options.

“He has a fantastic future ahead of him and it’s great that Oxford is starting to build a reputation as a club where we can work with young players like Dan, nurture them and play a role in their development.

“At the same time we will only do so if we believe it benefits and strengthens the squad here and I think he definitely fits that bill.”

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