Arsenal teenager Nikolaj Moller is reportedly wanted on loan by multiple EFL clubs, but the north London side are not keen on letting the striker leave a second time this season.
According to Football London, the 19-year-old attacker has been brought back to London Colony to serve as a replacement for Folarin Balogun in the U-23s.
The England youth international is set to depart on loan after dominating at youth level this season, with Balogun playing a starring role for Kevin Betsy’s high-flying youth side in Premier League 2.
With Moller spending the first half of the season out on loan with third-tier German side Viktoria Koln, it makes sense why the striker has been recalled to north London for 2022.
The forward, who has been compared to 120-cap Sweden legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic, is regarded as one of the best talents coming through at Arsenal, with Moller impressing at U-23 level last season.
However, with Arsenal willing to keep the striker despite interest from EFL clubs, the club could have a new plan for Moller with Balogun set to leave for first-team experience this month.
Arsenal are taking a risk keeping Moller after loan spell
January is expected to see many Arsenal youngsters depart the club for first-team football across the country and beyond. And keeping Moller, who has already had a taste of the senior game, could be a risk for the Gunners.
Indeed, the striker could well play for a League One or Two side after spending six months in Germany. However, Arsenal’s record with youth in recent years has been impressive, and Per Mertesacker’s judgement to keep Moller despite loan interest could pay off down the line.
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