Arsenal are looking at loan options for youth centre-back Omar Rekik ahead of the January transfer window, according to a report.

The Athletic write that Arsenal feel Omar Rekik needs regular first-team football at this stage in his development, so they’re considering their options for a January loan move.

Rekik is highly rated at the club, and a key player for the u23s, but a move into senior football is seen as the best option for the second half of the season.

The 19-year-old centre-back joined Arsenal at the start of 2021, signing a contract to 2025. He had a couple of injuries in the first half of the year, limiting him to just one appearance last season, but he’s been a regular starter this campaign.

Barring a one-match suspension and a minor injury, Rekik has been available for most of 2021/22 so far, hitting 15 appearances in all competitions.

We know he’s been catching the eye outside of Arsenal, with Portsmouth boss Danny Cowley recently highlighting the defender after watching him in an u23 match against Bournemouth.

Speaking in quotes reported by Portsmouth outlet The News, Cowley confirmed that Portsmouth staff have watched Arsenal play on a couple of occasions recently, and he’s taken particular note of Rekik.

“We watched Arsenal play Ipswich and they played very well,” Cowley said.

“They were 2-0 down and came back to win on penalties.

“Omar [Rekik] is a centre-half who I watched at Bournemouth a few weeks ago.

“He’s technically very good with a lovely range of passing and he breaks his lines taking real responsibility on the ball. He looks a talented player.”

Rekik is certainly a strong passer, which is a big part of why it seems possible he’ll end up in the first team someday. When you’ve got the right technical attributes as a defender, you’re more likely to have a shot at Arsenal.

But the teenager needs a loan first. In his current form, he should have some suitors next month.