Young Arsenal forward Benik Afobe has joined Championship side Reading on loan for the remainder of the season.
The highly-rated 19-year-old, who last season enjoyed a successful loan spell at Huddersfield Town, has just returned from a lengthy injury lay-off but will play the rest of the season for The Royals.
Afobe signed his first professional contract with Arsenal last year after being reportedly targeted by Barcelona.
The youngster impressed during pre-season but picked up a groin injury in the Emirates Cup tournament which hampered his progress.
The England Under-19 international has yet to feature for the Arsenal first-team, but the club predict big things for the London-born forward.
Speaking about the loan deal, Reading manager Brian McDermott told The Sun:
‘We’re delighted to have him, he wanted to come here and that was important because he had other options.
‘We know him very well, we have watched him from a very young age. He’s played a lot of games for England right up to the under 19s and then out on loan last season as well.’
McDermott finished off by saying:
‘He’s a good addition to the squad and will help us with eight games to go.’
Reading currently sit second in the Championship table, five points behind league leaders Southampton and two ahead of third-placed West Ham.
Afobe’s first appearance for Reading could come this Saturday at the Madejski Stadium against Blackpool.
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