Arsenal starlet Jack Jebb opts for loan move to Stevenage

Jebb has been labelled the next David Beckham. (©GettyImages).

Arsenal youngster Jack Jebb has left the club to join Stevenage after agreeing a one month loan deal with the League Two outfit.

The Gunners hope that the short loan spell will allow Jebb to gain some valuable first team experience after playing a key role for the Under-19 teams last season.

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Next David Beckham

Jebb, 19, hit the headlines in March this year after The Independent labelled him as the 'New David Beckham' because of his exceptional ability from set pieces. Having scored a number of goals from free-kicks, it is easy to see why the comparison was made.

He was a staple for Arsenal's Under-18 and Under-19 side last season and has also represented England at Under-16 and Under-17 levels. Arsenal's official website describe Jebb's style as similar to that of Arsenal youth product and first team star Jack Wilshere.

Controversy

Despite his short career, the midfielder has already hit headlines for the wrong reasons. Jebb was banned for four matches and fined £1,800 by the FA for using racist language towards an opponent against Norwich last year.

"Everyone at Arsenal wishes Jack well for his time at Broadhall Way." - Arsenal's official website

Jebb denied the charge and Norwich did not launch a complaint. The investigation was born out of an official report from the match officials. Despite the controversy, Arsene Wenger stuck by Jebb and chose to retain him while other former scholars, like the highly rated Chuks Aneke, were released.

Uphill battle

Although Jebb clearly has potential, he faces an uphill battle if he is to succeed at Arsenal. While he is still young at 19-years-old, playing League Two football proves how far he is behind the likes of Hector Bellerin and Calum Chambers, who are the same age and playing first team football. Wilshere also broke into the team at 18-years-old.

However, he did make his debut for the Under-21 side last season and lit up the Emirates Stadium in a man of the match performances against Everton in the FA Youth Cup.

He clearly has potential, but is running out of time to prove he can make it at the top level. He will certainly have to impress at Stevenage if he is to get back into the manager's plans.