Arsenal fans have finally been handed the thing they most crave, an attacking force that can change around for each game, scoring goals all the time.
However, with so many options in Arsene Wenger’s squad for the centre forward spot, it often leaves the likes of Lucas, Welbeck and Walcott fighting for a place.
And according to reports, Chuba Akpom is ready to be one of those understudies to move out on loan in search of more chances to pick up appearances following a lengthy injury.
The Independent’s Jack Pitt-Brooke has revealed the 21-year-old is close to joining the Championship for the rest of the season.
Hearing that Chuba Akpom, now fit again after a stress fracture to his back, could be going on loan to Championship this week…
— Jack Pitt-Brooke (@JackPittBrooke) January 23, 2017
British media have been quick to follow up the news, suggesting that recently relegated Aston Villa are head-hunting the striker in an attempt to finish the campaign in the play-offs.
The news doesn’t exactly surprise me because Akpom has been a fringe player for too long now, constantly sitting behind the big boys waiting for his chance.
A few showings in the pre-season trip to USA showed us he’s still capable of wearing the shirt, but as things continue to go well for Alexis and Giroud his chances are minimal.
The Gunners kept hold of Akpom until signing Lucas Perez late on in the transfer window, and he would have made the loan switch back then if it wasn’t for a serious injury.
Akpom suffered a stress fracture in his back and has only just returned to joining the first team in full training, meaning he’s ready to find football for a first team.
No stranger to Championship football, Akpom could offer Villa something they’ve been missing all season, goals! The Midlands side have 28 in 27 games, leaving them 13th in the table.
If he’s got any sense then he’ll join up with them this week, but you do have to question whether or not he has a long-term future in North London? Let us know what you think!
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