With a deal in the pipeline, Arsenal will be saying goodbye to one of their promising under-21s captains, Zane Monlouis. The Gunners have been a production line of top tier talents like Myles Lewis Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri but not every young starlet breaks through at Emirates. It seems, however, that Monlouis is one of those players who choses a new way.
It certainly seems as if Toronto FC want him, and who wouldn’t want to throw drizzle for maple syrup and poutine?
Monlouis’s Arsenal Journey: A Talent That Nearly Was
Zane Monlouis, Arsenal’s rock of the heart at the club’s under-21 defense, has made 15 starts and even donned the captain’s armband for the youngsters this season. However, Time does not wait for any defender, much less for one at this club – competition never stops being as fierce as a North London Derby.
Monlouis never made it into Arsenal’s first team despite leading the side at youth level and being relatively consistent. He then had a brief loan spell at Reading, making only a single start in the league but failing to cut it as a chance of a breakthrough. In fact, even Harry Kane had to go through Leyton Orient before Spurs realized what they had.
Toronto FC’s Defensive Gamble: Can Monlouis Be the Answer?
Toronto FC badly lack defensive reinforcement. Given that they let in 61 goals second season to their name, ouch indeed! Robin Fraser, head coach, clearly believes Monlouis could fill that leaky backline.
The MLS is a chance of a new beginning, though Monlouis hasn’t yet been in the elevated levels in England. Also, Toronto should provide a mix of experience from players including Matty Longstaff, Kevin Long, and Lorenzo Insigne to settle the young defender down.
From the Emirates to MLS: A Smart Move or Career Detour?
Monlouis’s move raises eyebrows. Some will label it a step down, but these days the MLS is far from the ‘retirement league’ it used to be. And, more ease, no pressure of playing under the microscope of the Premier League and definitely less competition with big names.
It is besides the point that Monlouis could really benefit from a fresh environment to revive his career. In minutes, responsibility and a fanbase that deadicates itself to an underdog story, Toronto is there for ya.
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