Fulham boss Martin Jol would jump at the chance to sign Ghana international midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong on loan again next season.Â
Frimpong has made only one appearance for the Cottagers since he arrived on a six-month loan from Arsenal, but it appears the combative midfielder has made quite an impression on Jol.
The 21-year-old, who looks set to start at Sunderland on Saturday, is due to return to the Emirates Stadium this summer, but Jol would like to keep the Ghanaian for longer.
"He is on loan at the moment and it would be quite expensive to take him (permanently), but if there was an opportunity to take him on loan again, I would probably do that," the Fulham manager said.
"It is quite a nice position to be in, to get a loan player you don't have to pay a transfer fee. It is a good way of doing things."
Frimpong joined Arsenal at nine-years-old and impressed during his progression through the youth ranks, helping the Gunners to FA Youth Cup glory in 2009. He made his debut for the north London club in August 2011, but two serious knee injuries, plus a lack of discipline on and off the pitch, have hampered his progress.
The Ghanaian was sent off during his first full appearance for Arsenal and was involved in a tunnel bust-up with Samir Nasri when the Gunners played Manchester City last season, but Jol has no problem with the midfielder's attitude.
"We spoke about (discipline)," Jol said. "In my day you could tackle, but now you have to stay on your feet.
"I was impressed with him from the start. Two years ago I saw him and he is the type of player you would like as a manager because he is versatile and he has got this mentality.
"But he can play as well, he is an Arsenal player. He is one of the few players who has been at Arsenal since a young age.
"I think Sunderland away would suit him. His fitness is getting better and better. He did well when he played for us against Norwich. He is fully fit now so I can play him from the start if I want to."