Another week has passed with more stories involving this season's Arsenal loan army as many of the 29 players were in action across the English football pyramid and the various European leagues.
Arguably the standout performer has been Marquinhos. 25 days after joining Norwich City on transfer deadline day last month he finally made his debut and it was well worth the wait as he scored and claimed an assist in the first half as the Canaries recorded a 2-0 win over Cardiff City.
The Brazilian youngster was able to get 59 minutes under his belt but Nicolas Pepe was once again absent from the Nice matchday squad because of injury. For one reason or another, Cedric Soares, Miguel Azeez, Ovie Ejeheri, Omar Rekik, Tyreece John-Jules, Mika Biereth, Mazeed Ogungbo, Nikolaj Moller, Marcelo Flores, Tom Smith, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Kido Taylor-Hart and Billy Vigar did not feature at all for their respective loan clubs over the past week.
READ MORE: Leandro Trossard gives Mikel Arteta Arsenal wish with Eddie Nketiah decision to be made
It was a milestone weekend for Ainsley Maitland-Niles as he made appearance number 100 in the Premier League, although he probably won't remember it fondly as Southampton were beaten by Leeds United.
Auston Trusty started Birmingham City's defeat against Blackburn Rovers last Tuesday but missed out against Luton Town at the weekend and is set for a spell on the sidelines with a calf injury. Charlie Patino returned from suspension as Blackpool lost to Blackburn Rovers last Tuesday before dropping to the bench at the weekend but Brooke Norton-Cuffy tasted victory for Coventry City against Sunderland.
In League One, Taylor Foran continues to be exposed to senior football as he's started both of Hartlepool's games in the past week against Newport County and Walsall. Meanwhile, in the National League, Tim Akinola started Chesterfield Town's draw at home to Wealdstone before being an unused substitute against Oldham Athletic.
North of the border, Ryan Alebiosu came off the bench as Kilmarnock drew with Motherwell and Alex Kirk helped Ayr United keep a clean sheet away at Raith Rovers. Across Europe, Pablo Mari's Monza were beaten 3-0 by Salernitana in Serie A, Runar Alex Runarsson played a half as Alanyaspor lost 4-2 at home to Galatasaray and Arthur Okonkwo conceded twice as Sturm Graz were beaten by Austria Klagenfurt.
Below, football.london has rounded up the main headlines with regard to the Arsenal loan army from the past week.
Ambitious Lokonga swap deal proposal
Albert Sambi Lokonga gave a good account of himself as Crystal Palace earned a hard-fought point at home to Liverpool. It was the midfielder's first start at Selhurst Park since making the temporary move across London and has received a lot of kind words from fans on social media.
Meanwhile, one Arsenal supporter in particular seemingly kept a close eye on events in South London, so much so that an ambitious swap deal in the summer has been proposed as @MeetMayurz tweeted: "Lokonga - Olise swap should be a good deal next summer for both parties."
Nuno Tavares gets new role as Mbappe and Messi run riot
Nuno Tavares showed his versatility by starting as a right-wing back for Marseille against Paris Saint-Germain but could do nothing about Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi running riot as the visitors eased to a 3-0 win to claim bragging rights in the Le Classique.
The former netted a brace and claimed an assist for the latter to score his 700th club career goal and the Argentine World Cup winner repaid the favour by setting up both of the Frenchman's goals including a wonderful lobbed pass in the second half.
Balogun surprise
By virtue of his double against Marseille, Mbappe is now the leading scorer in Ligue 1 with 17 goals as he's overtaken Folarin Balogun in the process. The Arsenal youngster, somewhat surprisingly, wasn't on target for Reims despite their comfortable 3-0 win over Toulouse.
READ NEXT:
Why Gabriel shouted at Jorginho as Mikel Arteta's Arsenal January transfer decision pays off
Thomas Partey, Jesus, Saka: Arsenal injury news and return dates ahead of Everton clash
Why William Saliba fumed at Gabriel and pushed Arsenal defender after crucial win at Leicester
'No longer a soft touch' - National media react to Arsenal's crucial win vs Leicester
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
