Arsenal have terminated Zak Swanson’s season-long loan to MVV Maastricht early, per an official statement from the club.

Football Insider reported last week that Arsenal would terminate Zak Swanson’s loan deal to MVV Maastricht early, given the player’s struggles to make an impact with the club.

Maastricht have now confirmed that report.

During to injury and illness, Swanson initially had difficulties getting into the Maastricht squad at all. But even when fit and healthy, he often sat on the bench or missed out on the squad anyway.

As a result, the Arsenal academy right-back is up to three appearances for the season – just two starts. Arsenal decided to exercise their recall option to end the loan early, before looking to loan the player elsewhere.

It’s rather strange Swanson’s loan hasn’t worked out better. He was one of the Arsenal u23s’ most consistent performers last season, and Maastricht scouts would’ve had plenty of time to watch him play over the campaign.

Perhaps Swanson just wasn’t a good fit for the Dutch side, but they only gave him 170 minutes to prove himself.

Maastricht are 17th, winning just two of their 13 league games this season. There’s no argument that they’re performing so well they couldn’t possibly work the Arsenal youngster into their team.

Whatever the reasoning, the Gunners were right to bring Swanson back.