Arsenal defender keen on exit

The youngster is looking to leave the club on loan in order to continue his development.

Boateng made only two appearances while on loan at League Two champions Swindon Town last season.

“It was important for me to be around a team that was winning most weeks,” Boateng told the club’s official website.

“The environment at the club was positive and I was impressed with the training.

“The manager [Paolo Di Canio] is the most enthusiastic man I’ve ever met. He’s a very good manager. I would like to have played more though, because then I would have learnt even more than I did.”

“I’ve spoken to the manager and I think that at this point in my career, it’s important that I play as much competitive first team football as I can,” he continued

“Going on loan is going to make me stronger as a person, and hopefully push me closer to becoming a member of the first team.”

Boateng has featured for Arsenal in pre-season games against Anderlecht and Stevenage.

“I was pleased to start against Anderlecht. It was a tough game but I thought I did well,” he added.

“Now I just want to get a good loan, do very well and then spend more time with the first team at Arsenal next season.”