Arsene Wenger has lifted the lid on what happens behind the scenes at Arsenal to determine which emerging talents are sent on loan in a bid to aid their development, and to which clubs.
Describing a 'loan phase' as an important step in the careers of 90% of young players, Wenger explained to Arsenal.com exactly what goes into the thought process.
"First of all it's a step in the players' development, and normally it's the final step before their integration into the first team," the Frenchman said.
"The development of players is made up of three steps: scouting, coaching and integrating them into the first team. The final stage of that last step is to give them competitiveness at the top level so that they can show that they have the mental maturity to cope with pressure, the demands of a first team who have to win games.
"They have to fight with players to get into the team, to win football games under difficult circumstances and that's what it's about."
Although a handful of individuals, like Alex Iwobi, can progress to the first-team without a loan platform, the majority of players do. Hector Bellerin spent time at Watford, while Francis Coquelin was recalled from Charlton prior to breaking into the side.
"Usually I sit down with the player and sometimes with their parents as well, and I explain my feelings about the player and what he needs. After that, we have a structure of people at the club who take care of it," Wenger explained.
"We have people responsible for our young players who get in touch with managers at other clubs. If we feel that the player is really wanted and that they really see a position for him in the team, we do the deal. It has to be with the agreement of the player and the agreement of the parents. They have to feel comfortable with the situation as well.
"Most of the time it goes well but sometimes it doesn't. We keep that in our minds. If we have had clubs who promise us something, but then don't deliver, the next time we won't necessarily give them the players they want."
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