Portsmouth boss Danny Cowley is currently managing Arsenal loanee Miguel Azeez, but he seems to be keeping an eye on another young Gunner in Omar Rekik.

Omar Rekik with Arsenal in training (Photo via Rekik on Instagram)
Omar Rekik with Arsenal in training (Photo via Rekik on Instagram)

Danny Cowley has taken charge of two of Arsenal’s top recent midfield prospects, in Emile Smith Rowe (at Huddersfield Town) and Miguel Azeez (at Portsmouth).

From the sounds of things, he might now be considering a January move for another Arsenal academy player.

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 Omar 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.”

Danny Cowley
Manager Danny Cowley looks on during the English FA Cup fifth-round football match between Lincoln City and Burnley at Turf moor stadium in Burnley, northwest England, on February 18, 2017. Picture: ANTHONY DEVLIN / AFP / Getty Images

The Arsenal u21s put in a spirited performance to come back against Ipswich Town, and Rekik put in a good individual performance.

The centre-back was excellent in possession, really impressing with his passing and showing his usual confidence to push up into midfield when the game demands it.

The News do highlight that Portsmouth are at the EFL limit for loanees right now – with five.

If they want to take on another, it would mean either terminating the loan of one of their current batch, or leaving one of the six out each matchday.

That wouldn’t necessarily be a huge problem, as they could rotate between the players they leave out. But it’s obviously not ideal.

Regardless of whether Portsmouth make a move for Rekik, it’s good to hear his progress recognised by people outside of the Arsenal bubble.