Age: 18
Nationality: English
Position: Striker
Squad no. 38
Height: 6ft
Interesting Fact: Akpom was once interviewed by Fresh Football
Akpom recently revealed through Twitter that he had become the fastest Arsenal player in history over 10 metres. Whilst it’s not all about speed, breaking that record would have certainly made Wenger take note. He’s got much more to his game than just pace though, and at just 18, he has a good chance to make it at Arsenal. He signed his first professional contract with the Gunners in 2012 and has been promoted to the first team this season. With great strength, pace and determination, Akpom has all the ingredients to succeed at the Emirates, let’s see if he can fulfil his potential. Being English could work to his advantage, as Arsenal look to build a squad based around a British core.
How much will he play?
Akpom is well down the pecking order at Arsenal, but considering his form for the reserves, Giroud’s injury, and Akpom’s will to succeed, don’t rule out the 18 year old featuring this season. His game time is likely to be restricted to the League Cup but he will hope to take any opportunity with both hands. A lot of Arsenal fans think that Akpom should be ahead of Yaya Sanogo in the pecking order, perhaps it’s Akpom’s age which is influencing Wenger’s current selection.
How well will he do?
Akpom is developing well but is unlikely to have too many chances to impress for the first team this season. He’s still very young and has all the attributes, including the necessary confidence and composure to make the transition from youth football to senior. If he continues to score goals, that won’t be ignored. I think another loan move to a League One club could be likely this year, where he will hope to play regularly and score goals. So far when going on loan, he’s failed to score regularly, but he is still young and was not given consistent game time. He’ll hope to be more successful than Benik Afobe who is of a similar ilk, but looks like he will not make it at Arsenal.
Read: Report cards for the whole Arsenal squad
Pace: 9
Work rate: 7
Link-up play: 7
Finishing: 7
Strength: 8
Current Value: £3million
Potential Value: £20million
Overall Rating: 7/10