Earlier this season, Benik Afobe embarked on a sixth loan spell in just four years. All this by the age of 21. In his five previous loan spells, he had scored just 13 goals in 70 appearances. But, it seems to be sixth time lucky for Afobe, who has flourished under Karl Robinson's leadership at the MK Dons. With 10 goals in 12 appearances in all competitions, it looks like Arsenal could have created another future star but will he get a chance at London club?
History tells Arsenal fans that many academy graduates don't get a chance in the first team, Afobe is just another example of this. Six loans in a mere four years is shocking. This makes his story a different one compared to those of any other young Arsenal player. Some young players have come through the Arsenal ranks, only to be sold on to smaller clubs later on down the line, Miquel and Eisfeld are recent examples of this. But, it is unheard of for a player to go on loan six times without getting a chance. If Arsenal felt that he wasn't good enough, they could have easily sold him after one of his loans but Arsene Wenger and his management team must see something in him, therefore they have kept him, but sent him out on loan, rather than selling him.
An impressive loan spell might not even guarantee a player a place in the Arsenal first eleven. For example, Henri Lansbury impressed on loans at Norwich and West Ham, but was sold to Nottingham Forest after having only made three league appearances for Arsenal. Joel Campbell impressed on his loan spell at Olympiakos and at the World Cup for Costa Rica but has yet to have been given to prolonged period in the starting eleven. For some players this isn't the case and an impressive period away unlocks the door to a place in the fist team. For example, Jack Wilshere caught the eye during his stint at Bolton and he then broke into the first team.
So, history tells the fans that maybe Afobe could succeed at Arsenal, but he also could not. Afobe though could come back to Arsenal and fight Sanogo for a place as third choice striker, behind Giroud and Welbeck. Although Arsenal have many players who can play in striker, despite it not being their preferred position, Afobe would come to Arsenal as the fourth out and out striker in the squad. He may get a chance in the League Cup soon enough, and knowing Arsenal's injury luck, he could get a chance in the league.
It looks to be sixth time lucky for Afobe, who could come back to Arsenal and challenge for a squad place if he wants to. He could choose to stay in Milton Keynes, where he will play regular first team football, instead of coming back to Arsenal and wait months or years to break into the first team. The choice is his, but after his time at the Stadium MK, many Arsenal fans would love him to come back.