Mikel Arteta concedes Arsenal will have to make "the right decision" regarding Eddie Nketiah's future which could mean a loan move away.
The young forward hasn't been afforded regular minutes at the Emirates this season.
Arteta is conscious that a lack of playing time will be hampering his development.
The Spaniard allowed several youngsters to head out on loan in January and admits they need to talk "openly" as he hinted at a temporary switch away.
He told the club's official website: "Yeah, there is because he needs to play and we’ve been wanting to use him a little bit more on some occasions and we didn’t.
"To be fair, when he’s played, he’s played well, but at his age and for what he’s done the last two or three seasons, he needs more minutes.
"It’s something we have to talk about openly and make the right decision."
Arteta is spoilt for attacking options in north London with the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Nicolas Pepe and Bukayo Saka all eyeing starts.
As a result Nketiah has some serious competition, but the Gunners boss is impressed with his conduct and maintains it is on him if the 21-year-old doesn't play.
He added: "Well, when we’re talking about management, this is one of the hazards to leave someone like Eddie out of the squad, but at the moment everybody has been fit and we have so many options upfront.
"But it hurts as well because of how Eddie behaves and trains every day and because he’s a player from our academy, but he will have his chance.
"He needs to be patient and he’s showing no signs of lacking attitude or anything like that, it’s the complete opposite.
"He’s a joy to work with and he deserves minutes and if he doesn’t get it, it’s just my fault."
