JANUARY 16, 2012 BY JEORGE BIRD Jeffrey Monakana, one of several second year scholars to have been told that he is free to leave the club after not being provided with assurances regarding a professional contract, is currently on trial with Queens Park Rangers. Monakana, who is nominally a right-winger but can also operate as a central striker, steadily rose through the ranks at the clubâs Hale End Academy, and signed scholarship forms at the start of last season, making 42 appearances for the under-18s in the ensuing period, as well as making his Reserve debut this season. However, he was left out of the squad for the FA Youth Cup defeat to Derby last month and was substituted in each of the past four Premier Academy League games that he has started for the club. QPR, who signed Callum Webb from Arsenal in similar circumstances earlier in the season, were alerted to the situation and Monakana was an un-used substitute in their Youth Cup victory over Everton last week. During his time at the club, Monakana has impressed with his speed and ability to deliver precise crosses but, for an attack-minded player, his return in front of goal has been lacking, finding the net on just five occasions since his scholarship began. That, and the continued progress of Josh Rees, are thought to be the key reasons behind Arsenalâs reluctance to offer a contract, but, if the sprightly youngster is to leave then he will be able to do so with his head held high having not let his commitment waver during his time at the club. Several of the 17 players who signed scholarship forms with the club in the summer of 2010 have since departed. Jamie Edge is at West Bromwich Albion, whilst Steven Smith joined Leicester and Webb could soon be reunited with Monakana at QPR. Alban Bunjaku remains likely to leave the club following a disagreement with coaching staff, with the technically talented youngster now preparing for trials with Rangers and Celtic after a proposed move to West Ham fell through. Ben Glasgow and James Campbell are likely to join Monakana in being released, after they were both also left out of Arsenalâs ill-fated Youth Cup campaign. Martin Angha, Zak Ansah, Elton Monteiro, Kyle Ebecilio, Nigel Neita and Josh Rees have all signed professional contracts, with Jordan Wynter, Reice Charles-Cook, Samir Bihmoutine, Philip Roberts and Reice Charles-Cook also likely to be retained. http://arsenalyouth.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/arsenals-monakana-joins-qpr-on-trial/?
