In the aftermath of their 1-0 defeat at the hands of Reading, Birmingham City manager Gianfranco Zola publicly revealed that Arsenal u23s captain Krystian Bielik will be joining on a loan deal until the end of the current campaign.

The talented teenage centre-back, who has impressed with consistent defensive displays under Steve Gatting this season, was expected to secure a loan move at some stage this January and the deal has finally been concluded.

He is the seventh Academy player to have departed on-loan over the past 24 hours with Gedion Zelalem, Ismael Bennacer, Kaylen Hinds, Stephy Mavididi, Marc Bola and Matt Macey all making completed moves across Europe on deadline day.

His arrival is most definitely a boost for Gianfranco Zola’s side especially given the fact that they’ve only won one in their last eleven matches across all competitions, conceding 25 during that same period.

Initial responses on social media were varied and perhaps exaggerated but given the circumstances understandable from their point of view. Birmingham sit in 12th place with 37 points from 29 matches played thus far this season and although unlikely, here are some of the initial feedback on the move itself:

Bielik will most definitely benefit from a competitive environment in the same way he has done training regularly with the first-team this season. He has continued to develop physically with age since his move to north London in 2015 and although questions will be asked with regards to suitability, he has the ability and potential to impress provided the Blues fans show some patience as he gets settled into new surroundings during the first few weeks.