Southend United boss Mark Molesley says they want to extend James Olayinka’s loan from Arsenal, but it’s not entirely in their hands.

Arsenal academy midfielder James Olayinka is one of two Southend United loanees whose spell ends this month, in addition to a further three players who are out of contract with the club.

Southend boss Mark Molesley claims they like all five players and are in talks to extend their deals, but the loan situations are somewhat out of their control.

“Talks are going on in the background all the time,” said Molesley. “They are certainly players who have made a big impact. We like all of them but some of them are out of our control with the loans. There a few things to consider there from their side.

“The (loan) players have enjoyed their time here and we’ve enjoyed having them and we will definitely re-visit that one.”

Olayinka has made 15 appearances for Southend United this season, as one of Arsenal’s busier loanees in the current campaign. He’s scored three goals from his position in midfield, all three worth a watch.

However, Southend are not having a good season at all. They sit bottom of the League Two table despite a recent upturn in form, one point away from safety.

Olayinka’s loan currently expires on January 27th. If he extends it to the end of the campaign, he’s unlikely to have any problems getting games.

Still, Arsenal will need to decide whether he’ll get enough out of a relegation scrap in an underperforming League Two side to make it worth staying.