Arsenal have sent youngster Dan Crowley on loan to League One side Oxford United for a season long loan. The 18-year-old is highly rated amongst Arsenal, but it is obvious he needs more time in order to gain experience and develop.

Crowley spent part of last season out on loan with Barnsley, a loan spell which was cut short early. However, the academy player will hope to make an impact on his year with Oxford, enough so to maybe force his way into the view of Wenger.

The 18-year-old had this to say on his loan move:

“Seeing how young players flourish under the manager Michael Appleton was a massive part in my decision,” the teenager told BBC Radio Oxford.

“Last season was a learning curve and I can’t wait to get started.”

Crowley admitted that the move to Oxford was due to talks with Arsene Wenger at the end of the season, when he was told he wasn’t yet ready to play in the Premier League.

He said: “I have spoken to the boss and he says I’m not physically ready for the Premier League just yet, and that’s fair enough and I completely agree.”

“It’s a tough league on your body and there’s so much running that people don’t realise. So I will work on that and hopefully be ready when my time comes.”

“I don’t want to be pushed in and not be ready. When I get my chance I want to make sure I’m ready and take it.”

[Quotes via Express]