Arsenal sent a wave of young talent out on loan this season. With mixed results across the board, decisions now loom over who returns and who moves on.
DAGENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 05: Laura Wienroither of Manchester City runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Manuela Pavi of West Ham United during the Barclays Women's Super League match between West Ham United and Manchester City at Chigwell Construction Stadium on March 05, 2025 in Dagenham, England. (Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images)
Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images
Arsenal sent a number of players out on loan in September and again in January. Here is a detailed look at how each of those spells went, and whether any of these players are likely to return to the first-team squad next season.
Laura Wienroither (26)
Her five-month loan at Manchester City produced just 235 minutes, including five starts and six appearances from the bench. She would not have seen much action had she stayed at Arsenal as it is clear that Renee Slegers does not count on her. Nor did Gareth Taylor or Nick Cushing appear to, despite City being short on players at times, she was still left on the bench.
Her future at Arsenal looks uncertain. She is still under contract, but a permanent move this summer seems likely.
Michelle Agyemang (19)
A season-long loan at Brighton proved a success, culminating in a senior England call-up and a debut goal just one minute after coming on against Belgium.
She logged 876 minutes across 17 WSL games, scoring three goals and recording one assist. In total, she made seven starts and 14 substitute appearances in all competitions.
WALSALL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Michelle Agyemang of England celebrates after scoring her team's second goal during the Women's U23 international between England and Germany at Poundland Bescot Stadium on February 20, 2025 in Walsall, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
She spent most of the campaign playing on the wing, gaining experience that will benefit her when she returns to her natural number 9 position. If Stina Blackstenius leaves this summer, Agyemang could return to Arsenal as understudy to Alessia Russo.
Otherwise, another full-season loan seems the most likely option.
Laila Harbert (18)
Her five-month loan at Southampton yielded 717 minutes, eight starts and one substitute appearance. That kind of consistent game time is exactly what a young player needs.
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 22: Laila Harbert of Southampton passes the ball during the Barclays Women's Championship match between Southampton and Portsmouth at St Mary's Stadium on March 22, 2025 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images
She is a highly talented playmaker who has captained England at youth level, but competing for a place in a midfield that includes Kim Little, Lia Wälti, Mariona Caldentey, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Frida Maanum and Victoria Pelova would be a big step at this point.
Expect another loan next season, with a possible return to Arsenal rotation in 2026–27.
Vivienne Lia (18)
She clocked 561 minutes across six starts and three substitute appearances during her loan. Like Harbert, she gained valuable minutes and developed well. Her versatility stands out. She can play right back, left back, right wing or left wing.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 24: Vivienne Lia of Arsenal controls the ball infront of as5during the exhibition match between A-League All Stars Women and Arsenal Women FC at Marvel Stadium on May 24, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
That adaptability could make her a useful squad player next season, but if her minutes are limited, her development could stall.
Whether she stays or goes will depend on who Arsenal bring in or move out this summer.
Maddy Earl (18)
Her time at Sheffield United was hampered by injuries and managerial decisions. In five months she played just 182 minutes, across two starts and two substitute appearances. That is not nearly enough to aid her development.
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 26: Tessa Blumenberg of Germany pressures Maddy Earl of England during the international friendly match between England Women U19 and Germany Women U19 at St George's Park on September 26, 2023 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images for DFB)
Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images for DFB
Another full-season loan will be crucial next year. She is not yet ready to challenge Frida Maanum, Victoria Pelova, Rosa Kafaji or Alessia Russo for a central attacking role, but she remains an exceptional creative talent with the potential to develop into a top-tier player.
Freya Godfrey (20)
She played 306 minutes on loan at London City Lionesses, with three starts and five appearances off the bench. Still under contract at Arsenal, it remains to be seen whether LCL will look to extend the loan or make a permanent move.
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 26: Alara Sehitler of Germany is challenged by Freya Godfrey of England during the international friendly match between England Women U19 and Germany Women U19 at St George's Park on September 26, 2023 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images for DFB)
Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images for DFB
She could theoretically return to compete for a place on either wing, but with Beth Mead, Caitlin Foord, Cloé Kelly and Mariona Caldentey ahead of her in the pecking order, her chances of meaningful minutes look slim.
A further loan to a WSL or WSL 2 club would make the most sense for her next season with Arsenal expected to bring in one or two wingers.
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