Arsenal 'star' (I'll explain why I say that later) Emmanuel Frimpong has joined recently-promoted Championship side Charlton Athletic on loan until January 1st.
This comes after he was linked with a return move to Wolves, where he was on loan last season, as well as Ipswich Town, currently under the management of former Wolves boss Mick McCarthy.
Will he be Dench?
Frimpong, it's safe to say, hasn't exactly made waves at Arsenal, at least on the pitch. Part of the side that won the FA Youth Cup, containing Jack Wilshere and Francis Coquelin to name a couple, Frimpong is best described as a poor relation of Wilshere, a midfield terrier with less creativity and a penchant for awful tackles.
Off the pitch he's a cult hero because of his friendship with rapper Lethal Bizzle, his 'Dench' tagline and clothing range, and series of "hilarious" twitter cock-ups, such as referring to Spurs fans as Yids and receiving a fine, or just generally tweeting bizarre nonsense.
He made a few appearances last season, including a few in the league, but was restricted and went out on loan. His performances this season, such as against Reading, haven't exactly been stellar, though he's recovering from an injury. There were reports Arsenal were looking to offload him, but Frimpong is at least a loyal Gooner who never wants to leave the club. This loan to Charlton is somewhat his last chance.
Worrying trend
Having been loaned to a PL team last season, being loaned to a lower-mid-table Championship side says a lot about Frimpong's stock right now, though it may be hoped their renaissance and general attitude will help him focus.
For a player who wants to be a first-teamer at Arsenal, he needs to walk straight into the Charlton team and make himself almost undroppable, otherwise it may spell the end of any meaningful contribution he can make to Arsenal.
Which would be a shame, as he's highly rated by the coaching staff and did graduate Hale End along with the likes of Wilshere, so there is talent there. The worry is that he's already wasted it.
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