Lincoln City manager Michael Appleton has been the first to speak following the confirmation of Tyreece John-Jules' loan move to the League One side.
The Imps will take John-Jules for the remainder of the season after the 18-year-old featured on the first team bench three times this season without making his competitive debut.
With six goals and two assists in the Premier League 2, however, he has still impressed as Lincoln had to fight off competition from higher-placed League One as well as some Championship clubs to close the deal.
"If I said a few clubs were after him, then I’d be under playing it," Appleton told Lincoln City's official website .
"Again, it comes down to the trust that Arsenal have in us as a club and a group to look after him and develop him in the right way.
"Tyreece can be anything, if the loan goes well, we’re all touching wood that it does, don’t be surprised if you see him playing as Arsenal’s number nine at some point in the future."
Appleton obviously has great confidence in the youngsters ability but a key factor in him being trusted with John-Jules is the fact that he will be played as a central striker.
Clubs that were interested in the 18-year-old and suggested he would play out wide or as a No.10. were immediately dismissed. Although it should be noted that the youngster has played as a No.10. as recently as January 3 vs Derby County Under-23s.
"That’s the message we got from Arsenal when we were speaking to them, that’s how important they see this loan and that’s why they felt they had to get it right," the Lincoln boss added.
"He had to go to the right football club and we feel privileged that they’ve chosen us as the ones to do that.
"He’s a bright kid, very humble but what he has got is he’s got good pace, he can run in behind, he really wants to run, he’s a fantastic finisher and he’s desperate to do well after the conversations I’ve had with him.”
Arriving in the Under-23s squad as a 17-year-old last season, John-Jules took to Premier League 2 football with ease. Alongside his goals this season, in the 2018/19 campaign he netted 16 times while claiming nine assists.
Entering a crucial stage of his footballing development, Arsenal head coach has also explained why he feels the time is right for the loan move.
"I think he’s got a good chance (to start games)," .
"He needs to go and prove himself now, and he needs to challenge himself. He’s probably in a very comfortable environment here but he needs to get exposed and after that we’ll see where he is."
