Young midfielder Henri Lansbury wants to prove to Arsene Wenger that he his ready for first-team action by helping West Ham achieve promotion to the Premier League this season.
The 20-year-old, who appeared twice for Arsenal this season, held talks with Wenger over his immediate future at the Emirates before sealing a season-long loan deal to the Hammers on transfer deadline day last week.
The England Under-21 international was loaned out to Norwich last season, where he played a major role in helping the club gain promotion to the Premier league, and is now hoping and focused on achieving a similar feat with Allardyce’s West Ham.
Lansbury will also be hoping that with yet another full season out on loan playing regular football will finally convince Wenger to throw him amongst the mix at Arsenal on a regular basis.
Lansbury was quoted on talkSPORT.com saying:
‘I didn’t have any reservations. The manager here asked me to come and play.’
‘So I spoke to the manager at Arsenal who told me I might not get the amount of football I wanted and I just wanted to go and play. West Ham have given me that chance to come and do just that.’
‘Hopefully they’ll see my fighting spirit and I’ll show them what I’m about and get us to the top of the league.’
For me, I think this is a massive season for Lansbury, which will ultimately determine his future at Arsenal.
He will have to show what he is truly capable of if he wants Wenger to sit up and take notice of him. My only worry for him is that, despite how well he does for the Hammers this season, will he honestly gain a first-team place at Arsenal? I honestly can’t see him being picked ahead of our current midfielder at the moment.
Wilshere, Ramsey, Song and Arteta are considered first-team players, whilst Emmanuel Frimpong, who the fans seem to like, appears to have jumped ahead of Lansbury as well. However, if the Englishman shows signs of progression in his game and quality during his year at Upton Park, then Wenger may give him a chance in the Arsenal side, which he will undoubtedly have to take and make the most of.
So, is Lansbury entering the last chance saloon?
Well all I can say is that it will be very interesting to see what occurs with the youngster after he returns from his season-long loan next summer. But for now, I remain on the fence on this one.
Let us know what you think on the matter
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theres definitley a place for him to step up, as benayoun is only on loan this season. it could be his last chance but based on his last performances with england u21, it could be his best yet, west ham are amongst the best teams in the championship with plenty of top flight experience.. i think this is going to be a breakthrough season for him, hes hungry and he keeps getting better..
Agree, Benayoun’s loan deal should be used by Henri as motivation fog an available spot in the first team squad. He’s probably not gonna be a first choice a The Emirates but has the ability to be a good squad member!!