West Bromwich Albion Take Arsenal's Simpson On Loan

One of Arsene Wenger's young Gunners will be heading to the West Midlands for some first-team experience.

Young Arsenal striker Jay Simpson has announced that he will be heading to the Hawthorns on loan in a bid to help out West Bromwich Albion as they strive for Premier League survival.

The London-born striker, who can also play wide on the right, has stated that he has definitely signed a one-month deal, though local press reports in Birmingham hint that the player will remain with Albion until the end of the season, should the deal go ahead. Apparently, the final points of the negotiations are being ironed out, with nothing absolutely certain as yet.

Simpson himself though is certain that he is heading north for the remainder of this campaign.

"My advisors have arranged for me to join West Brom on loan. They play good football and hopefully I'll get some first-team experience which will give me a good chance at Arsenal in the long-term," he stated.

"Playing regularly will help me develop my game."

Simpson made his first-team debut for the Gunners in the Carling Cup tie with Sheffield United earlier in the season which Arsenal won 6-0. He subsequently scored his first senior goals in the next round against Wigan Athletic.

He spent last season enjoying a successful season-long loan spell at Millwall in League One, netting eight goals in 44 appearances for the Lions and winning the PFA Fans' League One Player of the Year Award.