http://ladyarse.co.uk/2015/01/arsenal-look-set-lose-defender-sunderland/? SEMI AJAYI LOOKS SET TO LEAVE ARSENAL AFTER THE YOUNGSTER PLAYED FOR SUNDERLAND’S UNDER-21’S ON MONDAY NIGHT. Out of contract in the summer, the 21-year-old is currently on trial with the Black Cats and the fact that Arsenal have allowed him to not only trial with the club but play for their youth team would indicate that they have decided to allow the Nigerian to leave. Featuring on Arsenal’s bench this season due to the injury crisis that gripped the club, Ajayi only arrived at Arsenal in 2013 when he was picked up on a free from Charlton. Arsenal are looking to reinforce in defensive areas during this transfer window and it would seem that they have decided that Ajayi does not have it in him to make the step up at the club. Although it’s always sad to see a youngster leave, the fact that he’s only been with the club for a short while will lessen the blow if/when he leaves. However, it does mean we will no longer have a Semi. Read more at: http://ladyarse.co.uk/2015/01/arsenal-look-set-lose-defender-sunderland/? | Daily Cannon
Sunderland are understood to be close to signing young centre-back Semi Ajayi on-loan from Arsenal. The 21-year-old has been on the first team bench under Arsene Wenger against Southampton in the League Cup and in the Premier League three times against Hull, Stoke and Newcastle. However, although he has been close to first team action this season his opportunities only came while Arsenal were going through some bad defensive injuries and were well short of cover. From talking to Arsenal fans it seems he has potential. Ajayi has been called up to the Nigerian national team and has played for their youth squad but was born in England. The young centre-back has also captained the Arsenal youth team on numerous occasions so has shown to his current club he has the leadership qualities that Gus Poyet may be attracted to. Ajayi, who is 6ft 3in, is a regular in the Arsenal first team training squad so has had the experience of playing alongside so top class international players. His main strengths seem to be his ability to read the game, making crucial interceptions and how he uses his power in the air – both at the back and as an attacking option at set pieces. However, he is not the quickest and sometimes finds it hard to deal with skilful opponents. There is a doubt whether he can make the step up to the first team for Sunderland but with the help and experience being offered by Wes Brown and John O’Shea he could develop even quicker at Sunderland than he would anywhere else. It is certainly an interesting potential signing from Lee Congerton and Gus Poyet and it could be a very exciting one if he joins and fulfils his potential that Wenger witnessed when he signed him from Charlton in 2013. I hope we dont use up our loan on this fella
