Arsenal’s final departure of the January transfer window is versatile teenager Aaron Eyoma.

The 19-year-old, who plays as a right-sided winger but can also slot into a more defensive role at right-back, has joined Dutch side FC Volendam in the country’s second tier.

As a result of the loan deal, Eyoma becomes Arsenal’s sixth Academy player to make the trip abroad into the Netherlands this season. Kelechi Nwakali, Stefan O’Connor (MVV Maastricht), Tafari Moore (Utrecht), Daniel Crowley (Go Ahead Eagles) and Gedion Zelalem (VVV-Venlo) have joined at different points in the campaign thus far.

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Eyoma (L) has been used sparingly this season and this move is no surprise given his eagerness to play regularly. (Picture source: Tottenham’s official website)

With only two substitute appearances at u23 level, as well as the fact that he is no longer eligible to play in a younger age-bracket, it was always going to be a challenge for him to force his way into Steve Gatting’s immediate plans over more preferred players.

It’s been a frustrating season for him in terms of development and a lack of minutes at youth level have prompted a pro-active response in order to improve over time, in an environment where he’ll have to get settled into new surroundings and become accustomed to the language quickly.

This on its own highlights the type of person he is, one that is seemingly always keen to improve and doesn’t rest on his laurels.

In terms of taking inspiration from fellow Academy teammates, he’ll look at the likes of Nwakali and Moore – nothing is a certainty but with hard work, he’ll earn a regular starting spot.