Afobe completes deal to Royals

Reading have completed the signing of Arsenal forward Benik Afobe on loan for the rest of the season.

The 19-year old is one of the biggest prospect’s in English football at the moment and Arsenal we’re keen to let the youngster gain more first team action. A hamstring injury to Jason Roberts against Peterborough has forced McDermott to move before the loan deadline today.

Royals boss McDermott told the official RFC site: ‘We’re delighted to have him, he wanted to come here and that was important because he had other options. He’s played a lot of games for England right up to the under 19s and then out on loan last season as well. He’s a good addition to the squad and will help us with eight games to go.’

He is yet to make an appearance in the first team for the Gunners but was on loan at League One outfit Huddersfield Town last season. Afobe made 32 appearances for the Terriers and scored eight goals in his tenure and was also very highly rated during his time there.

The London-born, who has appeared at England U19 level, can play up front or on the wing. It is expected that he will only make the bench for Saturday’s game at Blackpool, with Simon Church likely to replace the injured Jason Roberts alongside Noel Hunt in the line-up.