Arsenal star Emmanuel Frimpong joins Wolves on loan

Saturday 31st December 2011, 7:40AM GMT.

Wolves today sealed their second signing of the January transfer window with the capture of Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong for the rest of the season.

The 19-year-old underwent a medical at Compton yesterday and the clubs are due to announce the loan deal over the weekend.
Wolves sources confirmed the deal last night, and, providing the medical is all clear, tough-tackling Frimpong will be available to make his debut in Monday afternoon’s clash against Chelsea, along with fellow new £600,000 signing Eggert Jonsson.

Manager Mick McCarthy watched Frimpong and team-mate Francis Coquelin in action in a Carling Cup tie against Manchester City on November 29.

The Express & Star reported Frimpong and Coquelin as targets and that McCarthy had made a defensive midfielder a priority this winter on December 5.

And the Wolves boss moved quickly to sign two defensive midfielders before the window actually opens.

Frimpong, who was linked with Villa, QPR and Fulham yesterday, made his Arsenal debut on the opening day of the season against Newcastle as an 84th-minute substitute, and marked his full debut with a red card in a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.

The Ghana-born player has gone on to make 14 appearances – starting three Premier League matches, three Carling Cup ties and three Champions League games.

He has been in Arsenal’s 18 in all Premier League games but four this season, perhaps tellingly missing Tuesday’s clash against Wolves.

And in recent interviews, the powerfully-built battler was keen to stress he’s not just a ball winner.

“Sometimes I’ll go on Twitter to see what the fans are saying and people are suggesting I’ll deal with any players they don’t like,” he said.

“They seem to have created a ‘wanted’ list for me.

“I think I’m going to have to make a YouTube video to show fans the other things I’m good at.

“But then again, I’m not exactly Lionel Messi!

“I’m definitely less reckless now. Since the Liverpool game I feel I’m a different player.

“I still try my best to go into challenges but I think twice about what kind I go in for.”

The arrival of Frimpong and Jonsson is timely with Wolves without midfielders in Jamie O’Hara and Nenad Milijas.

O’Hara is expected to be out until the end of January after undergoing surgery on a double hernia, while Milijas started a three-match ban with today’s trip to Bolton.


  1. 1
    UBWolf

    On a positive note it demonstrates the intent to strenghten early in this window in a position that for much of the season has not performed consistently and with quality.
    Economically, with difficulty in moving Keogh, Griffiths and others on there may not be money available for other areas of the team that require bolstering (think wages.
    Frimpong looks a character though so it could add to the entertainment….!

    Report abuse

  2. 2
    Ye Olde South Bank

    Oh, the irony of a tough-tackling Frimpong joining Wolves after the debacle of Milijas’s red card versus the very same opponents.

    Good luck, Emmanuel. Wearing the famous Gold & Black instead of extemely common red is a great honour for you.

    Report abuse

  3. 3
    #DENCH

    Merry Deeeeeenchmas!

    Report abuse

  4. 4
    Albrightondek

    From what I’ve seen of him on TV he looks like a powerful player. It will be interesting to see if both he and Henry will play together.

    Good signing though, and as #1 above says, it demonstrates Wolves intent to strengthen the squad. I wonder what other irons are in the fire.

    Report abuse

  5. 5
    Sedgley Shin,

    well we,re picking players with humorous names, so far we,ve got Eggy and Pongy,keep at it Mick,

    Report abuse

  6. 6
    Genevawolf

    Kudos to Jez – playing a blinder off-field, super critical to staying up….

    AWESOME NEWS

    Report abuse

  7. 7
    Sir Reginald is always roite

    I recall a talk recent Talksport interview with former Arsenal goalie Bob Wilson. When questioned he stated that Frimpong was the best youngster at Arsenal and a name to watch out for in the future. Good bit of business if yow ask me.

    UTW.

    Report abuse

  8. 8
    Bunghoolioo Wolf

    Lets hope for 3 or 4 more decent signings. Diame etc would be a good start. Let’s go and get kenwyne jones if nobody else. He would ruffle a few feathers. Good luck today wolves. Need to win this one. Oh and ye olde south bank. Merry Christmas and your ‘ers’ post was sublime. Nice one. UTW

    Report abuse

  9. 9
    Dingle Dean

    Let’s hope he does us proud.

    Report abuse

  10. 10
    manchester wolf

    great news , eggy and ting tong , keep em coming !

    Report abuse

  11. 11
    Realistic Wolf

    Lets hope he gets a game cos we certainly need something different. Number 5, brilliant!!!

    Report abuse

  12. 12
    The Wanderer

    Concern that the Express & Star continue to make Wolves’ business public before deals are done.

    Remember Steve Sidwell anyone?

    Good signing if we get him.

    Report abuse

  13. 13
    jay jay

    good signing for us but when iv watched him can do a rash tackle but good to see us doing our transfers early now for a center half

    Report abuse

  14. 14
    old gold

    lets hope muppet plays him henry lost the ball
    yet again twice at arsenal which nearly cost us.

    Report abuse

  15. 15
    Wulvzs

    What we now need is a CB & striker

    Report abuse

  16. 16
    Paul D

    He has NOT signed yet. Let’s hope it’s not another Sidwell scenario which E&S broke first stating that we’d signed him during last January’s window

    Report abuse

  17. 17
    Thehoffsleftsock

    Feel sorry for henners stuck behind the egg and the pong
    U t w
    Welcome mr pong

    Report abuse

  18. 18
    Grace

    8

    Mate if wolves sign kenwyn jones it means fletcher is on his way.

    Report abuse

  19. 19
    Mccarthys words

    eeee bah gum…

    they’ll put in a shift

    eeee bah gum…

    they’re both rather swift

    eee bah gum…

    they’re playing i’ll teach ya

    ONE AS A STRIKER…THE OTHER A KEEPER!!!

    Report abuse

  20. 20
    wolves4eva

    Welcome to wolves

    Don’t know anything about Frimpong apart from watching his crazy tackle against Liverpool which got him a red, been at Arsenal for years and played for England u15 and u17 and now commited to Ghana.

    I am a bit surprised by the £600k fee for Egghert – hope he proves to be a bargain?

    Wolves til I die

    Report abuse

  21. 21
    Werewolf

    Midfield sorted two defenders and a striker please.

    Onoucha from man city can play anywhere in back four so got to be worth a gamble at 3m also wayne bridge if we can pay half his wages.

    Rhodes has to be worth a go aswell a goal a game.

    Report abuse

  22. 22
    carlchinn

    fair play to the work behind the scenes, acting early is essential as there are alot of teams struggling for a midfield ballwinner like frimpong. Takin a point at the emirates and 1 of there up and coming stars in a week. Things are lookin to go in the right direction at last! UTW

    Report abuse

  23. 23
    BrummieRobWolves

    A great signing. Villa have been sniffing around him and midfield needed strengthening. Let’s give Eggert a chance as well. There have been some good players to come out of Iceland!
    Need to get at least a point today really!

    Report abuse

  24. 24
    Neo

    This should be a great addition to the team but will Mick play him with Henry? I suspect so then I suspect O’Hara when he comes back will play in the hole supporting Fletcher. Frimpong will bring so much needed power and pace to the midfield, from what I seen of him he comes across as feisty character. Good job Wolves

    Report abuse

  25. 25
    cambodia wolf

    a step in the right direction for sure
    good luck today boys gonna try watch it here

    Report abuse

  26. 26
    Oldwolf

    Sedgley Shin, so when do we get dipsy, la la & po??

    Report abuse

  27. 27
    bantum

    we ay signed yet. cor lose today

    Report abuse

  28. 28
    Mike Pearson

    Provided he can curb the tendency to lose his composure, Frimpong is a hugely talented and skillful player who would be a plus for our squad. Hopefully, this deal is confirmed and he can settle in quickly away from the big City.

    Not sure who else can be brought into the Club by way of transfer as management is not exactly releasing the purse strings. If the reports are true, the players we need to get rid of are unlikely to move on in this window as there seems to be a lack of money in the market. Equally, the Prem level players we need are unlikely to want to transfer into a team facing an uphill battle to avoid relegation – just like last season!!! Doyle has been taking a back seat lately – wondering if we are thinking of letting him go for big money to retool the squad???? There are usually surprises over this window and maybe this is one of them!!!

    Report abuse

  29. 29
    bemused wolf

    Sounds a good signing.Job should be to win ball back when Henry gives it away or caught in possession.Just one question. If he is committed to Ghana won’t we lose him in January for African Nations or has he not been selected ?

    Report abuse

  30. 30
    SteveB

    Grace, The way Fletcher is playing, I believe he’ll be going in the summer anyway. Better to get his replacement in now and let them bed in before the start of next season while Fletcher is still at the club.

    As for Frimpong, now he’s wearing Gold and Black instead of red and white, he’ll do well to finish a match without being sent off!

    Report abuse

  31. 31
    vindaloopi

    I remember thicko saying that stearman was a leader, ward,surman,hammil,and all the other dross he as brought to wolves oh dear i do believe a panic is on, i fear we are in big trouble.

    Report abuse

  32. 32
    old gold n black

    Frimpong, the name sounds like a dish from the takeaway…

    Reports suggest he should do well.

    #19 you got that right, with the clipboard we got ourself another benchwarmer for the rest of the season.

    UTW

    Report abuse

  33. 33
    Bazwolf

    “You don’t know what you’re doing” sang some fans earlier this season……………. clearly, he DOES know what he’s doing. 2 interesting signings in areas we all wanted. It is all about getting the best form out of all our squad and then playing them in the right structure. I am hoping we see the Fletcher/Doyle partnership to flourish. We should not default to a 4-5-1 line up unless we have to. 4-4-2 will be fruitful as and when our wide players massively improve on the regularity and quality of crosses. How Fletcher has scored so many headers from such indifferent crosses is a marvel. C’mon Wolves, give us a happy 2012

    Report abuse

  34. 34
    poglatrotts

    He’s done the medical
    Yet some remain sceptical
    Beyond the hassle
    He’ll deliver a tackle
    Or 2

    Eggpong
    Frimpong
    Yiddle I poh
    Yiddle I poh……….

    Report abuse

  35. 35
    Hope&Glory

    Well you don’t get into any first team @ arsenal if you arent decent and this lad, bad tackle or not, is only 19 so best is yet to come….hopefully in Gold & Black!

    As for other speculation such as Kenwyn Jones i wont take anythin as black and white (or gold) until the words “…..has signed for Wolves” come up :).

    Love da Wolves!!!

    Report abuse

  36. 36
    Dizzie Rasclart

    Talksport report his agent said he’s having talks with Wolves, Norwich and Villa over the new few days and will make a decision next week.

    HE HAS NOT SIGNED FOR WOLVES.

    Dont you think it would be on the official site?

    Report abuse

  37. 37
    The Flying Winger

    Looks like McCarthy is going to replace Henry & Berra at last.

    Penny clanging, or does he realise he will lose his job if he dosen’t sort out the defence and midfield

    Report abuse

  38. 38
    steve hill

    good signing.. Good luck today boys.. Can we please give Karl Henry a fair hearing.. One of his “errors” was the result of a poor and rushed throw out by Wayne Hennessy..much as im a big fan of Wayne..he played KH into trouble on the egde of his own box when he clearly didnt want the ball…i dont think he had time to re adjust his feet..yes he could have dealt with it better perhaps..but unfair to criticise him for that..ironic as WH tends to kick the ball out a lot ..

    Report abuse

  39. 39
    trevor cleavers jumper

    Good news. Perhaps another defender as well please. Need something out of todays game, avoid defeat and keep the run going. Onwards and upwards !!

    Report abuse

  40. 40
    Silver Wolf

    Definitely the way to go – good luck to him and Wolves. Any more, I wonder?
    Ah, Bolton 1 – 1 Wolves, another precious point.

    Report abuse

  41. 41
    johnnyrichards

    It’s a done deal, MM has just stated this to the Sky cameras. Thing is would we be in this position now if we had signed a defensive midfielder or two in August? along with a left back and another goal scorer!

    Report abuse

  42. 42
    craig

    why not get robbie keane in on loan from mls

    Report abuse

  43. 43
    simon

    if this happens would be great news as we really need to defend better and this would also be competition for Henrys position. frimpong could play with henry in a 4-5-1.From what ive seen of him he is a good tackler, and gets forward.He’s not afraid to have a shot either.
    I cant see us getting Diame from Wigan and so this is a good option.I still think we need another type of striker, and a central defender.
    We also have a fully fit kightly coming back from his loan at watford.

    Report abuse

  44. 44
    BarrelsRound

    Sounds like deal well done,hard tackling young player who is no shrinking violet,point today fair result as we have come from behind,keep the faith lads and lassies we will be okay.

    Report abuse

  45. 45
    ken wolf

    Obvious intent with these signings . Maybe “Hutton and Olson” will be next ?
    Not a lot of pure football here . PITY .

    Report abuse

  46. 46
    bangkok wolf

    hAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
    jUST GOT IN AT 4AM HERE IN THILAND
    uNLUCKY NOT TO WIN TODAY BUT I THINK WE WILL BEAT CHELSEA
    tHE PITCH LOOKED TOO NARROW TODAY FOR OUR WINGERS BUT WE STILL SHOULD HAVE WON

    cANT WAIT FOR CHELSEA TOMORROW

    wOLVES TILL I DIE!

    Report abuse

  47. 47
    billy rafferty miss

    good signing, beat several other clubs, and good point at bolton, by all accounts chelski were awful, well you have to be to lose to that footballing giant villa, utw.

    happy new year to all.

    Report abuse

  48. 48
    kenny hibbitt pen

    36.dizzie raasclaat, it is on the official site, he will make debut mon against chelski, utw

    Report abuse

  49. 49
    Colin Peppiatt

    Will Frimpong take Henry’s place when Milijas and O’Hara are back again? He should do if his form and Henry’s form dictates that is right. McCarthy must stop with the pals act. Can’t say I saw the whole Bolton game yesterday and Ward had a great shot, but he also, once again, stood off Ricketts and gave him all the time in the world to place that shot. Milijas did the same v Stoke. We concede too many goals due to players tracking rather than pressurising the opponent.

    Report abuse

  50. 50
    Jay

    Great signing, can’t believe some of you on here who are slating him already. At 19 hes one of the best upcoming CDM in the world. He will work wonders for our midfield. Hopefully he will get a start tommorow! #DENCH

    Report abuse

  51. 51
    FRIMPONGS_SLIDE_TACKLE

    great signing.

    Eggert Jonsson and Emmanuel Frimpong to start in CM vs Chelsea :).

    WOLVES AY WE

    Report abuse

  52. 52
    Florida wolf

    Did Anyone check if he is bound for the African cup ? if so, he could be possibly lost for a month – Bet Mick never thought to ask…

    Report abuse

  53. 53
    j-james

    he’s not in the Ghana squad

    Report abuse

  54. 54
    soggypeastwice

    EGGNOG and PINGPONG – Great signings. Too bad we couldn’t steal Diame. He’s Wigan’s best player. Me thinks another draw in the making against Chelski. All points count. Happy 2012 to all. UTW

    Report abuse

  55. 55
    Boingboing

    I’d hardly call him a star as if he was,Arsenal wouldn’t have let him out on loan.
    From what I saw today v Chelsea he needs to realise that his team mates play in the same coloured shirt.An average player at best.

    Boing Boing

    Report abuse



Latest Blog — A week is a long time in football

This time last week we were staring down the barrel, third from bottom with a worse record than at the same stage last year, writes Saddlers blogger Mark Jones.
Saddlers Blog

A week is a long time in football

Free e-Supplements

Business Awards

Book a Business Awards table Book a Business Awards table

Join our celebrations of the region's best in business on Thursday March 22 - book your table now

Lifestyle

Interactive Dining Out map Interactive Dining Out map

Hundreds of reviews by the Express & Star and Shropshire Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.

entertainment

All the film reviews All the film reviews

Before you plan a trip to the pictures, get our critics' verdicts on all the latest movie releases

OUR NEW APP

Get the new E&S app Get the new E&S app

Download the Express & Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.