Six months into the season, let’s have a look at how each of Arsenal’s loanees is doing so far.

4Reiss Nelson

NUREMBERG, GERMANY - OCTOBER 20: Reiss Nelson of 1899 Hoffenheim runs with the ball during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Nuernberg and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at Max-Morlock-Stadion on October 20, 2018 in Nuremberg, Germany. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Bongarts/Getty Images)
NUREMBERG, GERMANY – OCTOBER 20: Reiss Nelson of 1899 Hoffenheim runs with the ball during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Nuernberg and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at Max-Morlock-Stadion on October 20, 2018, in Nuremberg, Germany. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Bongarts/Getty Images)
  • Position: Winger
  • Loaned to: Hoffenheim – Bundesliga
  • Appearances: 20
  • Goals: 6
  • Assists: 1

Nelson is the undisputed star of Arsenal’s loanees so far this season. An impressive six goals in fourteen league appearances (five starts) shows just how quickly he’s adapted to life at senior level. They’ve all been important goals as well, either giving Hoffenheim the lead, drawing them level or getting them back into a game from multiple goals down.

That’s not to say everything has been perfect. Sport Bild highlighted that Nelson’s dribbling could improve, even if his pace is unmatched in the Hoffenheim team. Plus, manager Julian Nagelsmann suggested the winger needed to work on his defensive contribution to the team, and that’s why he’s mostly being introduced from the bench.

However, the Hoffenheim boss has seemingly been impressed with Nelson’s response to their conversations about his development. After a minor injury over the winter break, the English youngster returned to the team from the bench against Dusseldorf last week.

Despite one or two performances showing he still has room to get better, Nelson is undoubtedly having a big impact at Hoffenheim. That’s exactly what you want from a 19-year-old. With any luck, the rest will come with more experience.

Loan rating: 8/10

Emi Martinez

Emi Martinez makes save for Reading against Aston Villa (Photo via Twitter / EmiMartinezz1)
Emi Martinez makes save for Reading against Aston Villa (Photo via Twitter / EmiMartinezz1)
  • Position: Goalkeeper
  • Loaned to: Reading – Championship
  • Appearances: 2
  • Clean sheets: 1

Emi Martinez only moved on loan to Reading a couple of weeks ago, so he hasn’t had much of a chance to settle in yet.

Nonetheless, he’s already kept his first clean sheet, winning the fans’ man of the match award in his home debut. He conceded one goal in his other match, to an unstoppable close-range effort in stoppage time. Overall, a great start, but too early to tell how things will go.

Loan rating: N/A

Emile Smith Rowe

smith rowe leipzig
Emile Smith Rowe signs for RB Leipzig on loan. (Photo via Twitter / EmileSmithRowe)
  • Position: Winger/Attacking Midfielder
  • Loaned to: RB Leipzig
  • Appearances: 0

Emile Smith Rowe also moved on loan in the January window, but he did so with both clubs knowing he’s still recovering from an injury. He won’t play for the next couple of weeks as a result. Hopefully, once he returns, his loan will be a really positive learning experience.

Leipzig are certainly a top team in Germany, so it’s great they’ve taken an interest in the Arsenal youngster.

Loan rating: N/A

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