Curle delighted to snap up 'energetic' Olayinka in loan deal from Arsenal

Arsenal's James Olayinka will bring 'great energy and great dynamics' to the Cobblers midfield after signing on loan for the rest of the season, according to manager Keith Curle.
James Olayinka played at the PTS earlier this season. Picture: Pete NortonJames Olayinka played at the PTS earlier this season. Picture: Pete Norton
James Olayinka played at the PTS earlier this season. Picture: Pete Norton

The 19-year-old has happy memories of the PTS Academy Stadium after scoring Arsenal's opening goal in their 1-1 draw against Northampton in the EFL Trophy earlier this season.

Olayinka is highly thought of by the Gunners and penned a new contract with the club last year, but he's been allowed to head out on loan to aid his development.

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"He's got great dynamics, great energy and has good ability and can score goals," said Curle.

"He's got dynamics that he can hunt the ball down and he can get the ball off the opposition and then he's got the ability to go and use it with a forward-thinking mentality.

"The lad can also score goals, he doesn't mind a tackle and he likes the competitive side of the game - he won't shy away from challenges."

Olayinka was signed alongside West Brom striker Callum Morton earlier on Monday, and Curle says the attitude of both men played an important role in bringing them to the club.

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He added: "The biggest thing is the hunger of both players and that's not just having met them, you can also see the hunger in their play when we've watched them.

"There's a real desire and enthusiasm for the game. They've come from different surroundings but they want to come here and they want to learn, they want to adapt and they want to create a profile for themselves.

"As a professional footballer, you want to play Saturdays and you want to play Tuesdays in competitive fixtures that actually mean something to the squad of players that you're playing for."