OXFORD United are hoping Dan Crowley’s arrival is just the start of a link with Premier League giants Arsenal.

The highly-rated midfielder signed a season-long loan yesterday and two more players are due to train with the Sky Bet League One newcomers later this month.

Michael Appleton has sought to instil an attractive playing style since coming to the club two years ago, which particularly caught the eye during a successful campaign last season.

The U’s head coach believes the club have gained a reputation for developing young talents and is keen to develop a relationship with the Gunners.

He said: “I’d like to think they’d be aware of what we’ve been doing over the last 16 months.

“Hopefully they are happy sending players to us as part of their development pathway of trying to break into their first team.

“There are a couple more players who will come and train with us at the back end of July, although there’s no guarantee they will stay with us.

“They will come for a week or so to have a look at us and we’ll have a look at them.”

United have enjoyed a good record in the loan market in the past year, but a tie-up with Arsenal would catapult them on to a different level.

The Crowley deal was helped over the line by one of last season’s loanees.

Jordan Graham played only six games before being recalled by Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he made a big impact and earned a new long-term contract.

Crowley, who has played with the winger in the England youth set-up, said: “I spoke to Jordan Graham and he only said positive things about the players and the manager.

“I can’t wait to get started into competitive football.”

The midfielder, who turns 19 before the start of the season, got a first taste of senior football by playing 13 games for Barnsley last season.

Crowley is relishing the thought of playing regularly over a whole campaign and believes the similarity in styles between his parent club and the U’s will speed up the process of settling in.

He said: “The gaffer here wants to play – Arsenal have seen that and want their players to go and experience that.

“Last season was a massive learning curve, on and off the ball.

“Physically and mentally I’m hopefully a better player. I can’t wait to get started.”