Premier League Arsenal have confirmed the departure of a young midfielder, just 11 months after he scored against Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup at the Emirates Stadium.
The January transfer window is well under way and the Gunners are leading the way in the top flight. Whilst much of the attention will be placed on the club’s big name stars in the first team, several of their academy and youth players have been the subject of interest from the EFL.
The club will be hoping that by sending some of their youngsters into the lower leagues, it will bolster their value and development with exposure of senior professional football.
Now, one of their most promising prospects is set to embark on a spell in League Two.
Arsenal Midfielder Louie Copley Joins Crawley Town on Loan
Fresh off the back of a new contract with boyhood club Arsenal, Louie Copley is set to link up with Scott Lindsey’s Crawley Town as he looks to gain some invaluable minutes in his first loan away.
The 19-year-old has been a regular in the Premier League 2 and the FA Youth Cup. Scoring a notable goal against Manchester United in the Quarter-Finals in the 42nd minute. He was on the field against the Fletcher brothers, sons of now Red Devil’s caretaker boss Darren Fletcher as well as big names such as Harry Amass. The Gunners fell to defeat thanks to a 99th minute.
He also scored against Manchester City’s U21 side in the PL2 Play-Off Quarter-Finals, and will likely be looking to take some of that energy into his first taste of senior football.
Can Crawley Town Survive in League Two?
The second coming of Scott Lindsey was expected to bring the same level of success as he had achieved previously, by upsetting the odds and gaining promotion back to League One. However, his side find themselves 21st in the division, two points ahead of bottom place Newport County, having played a game more.
Not only that, but they also find themselves bottom of the form table, over the last eight games. With a dismal record of zero wins, two draws and nine defeats. It is worth noting that this run did include Bromley twice, Swindon Town and Salford City.
With Newport County holding a game in hand, and sitting above them in the form table, it looks like National League football next season is a real possibility. Fortunately, Harrogate Town nor Shrewsbury Town are taking advantage of the situation with both sides also struggling, giving Lindsey time to sort it out.
With the transfer window open, a 19-year-old midfielder with no senior football experience may not be the answer fans are hoping for in what could be an intense and physical battle for survival.