Arsenal have confirmed their 21-year old forward Benik Afobe has joined League one side MK Dons on a season-long loan deal.
The Englishman joined the Gunners as a 6-year old scholar and was handed his first professional contract back in 2010. However, Afobe has not managed to make it to the first team and has been loaned out to clubs like Huddersfield Town, Reading, Bolton, Millwall and Sheffield Wednesday to gain first team experience.
A statement from the club’s official website said: Everyone at Arsenal wishes Benik the best of luck for his time with MK Dons.
The youngster, looks to be encouraged by his loan move and admits that the playing style at MK Dons is the best that he has ever played. Since joining the club, Afobe featured in a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Leicester City.
“Milton Keynes play the best football out of all the teams I’ve played for,” Afobe was quoted by BBC
“I think we can surprise a few people and be right up there.
“I heard about the interest [from MK] around 10 days ago, and as soon as I heard, I came to speak to the manager. I was happy with what he said, I like the philosophy, and after watching them play on Saturday, my mind was made up.”
Having had a strong pre-season run with the first team, Afobe should head into the MK Dons side with confidence. Afobe has played for England at every level from Under-16 to Under-21 and made his senior appearance in an Emirates cup match for Arsenal.
At 21, this will prove to be a crucial loan spell for the England U-21 star as it will determine his loan term future with the club.