Arsenal have always been a club that are keen to promote youngsters to the first team, but have often failed when giving the strikers a chance.
Following years of silverware disappointment, the forward role is where the majority of pressure is applied with fans never totally happy with the choices up top.
It feels like Chuba Akpom has always been a ‘one to watch’ kind’ve player after achieving plenty of success in the academy and whenever he was given the chance on loan.
But as a boy who has had Arsenal in his heart since he joined the club way back in 2002, the 21-year-old is getting to a make or break point in his senior career.
As Alexis, Lacazette and Giroud continue to grab the headlines, Akpom will have to settle for Europa League and Carabao Cup football to make any sort of audition in front of Wenger.
Having been a member of the senior squad for over four years now, it’s time we saw a striker that can challenge the big boys for a spot, especially in the lower-profile competitions.
And after having a chat with Goal’s Chris Wheatley at the launch party of EA Sports FIFA 18 game, the Englishman confirmed exactly what his plan is over the next few months:
Chuba Akpom waiting for his chance at Arsenal pic.twitter.com/YayqvEGj9D
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) September 25, 2017
I think it’ll be a while until we see Akpom in the Premier League but unless he can offer any real improvement in the team this season I can’t see him staying on.
He’ll more than likely be sent out on loan in January to try and pick up a little bit of experience but Wenger has shown he can be ruthless in getting rid of long-term Gunners having recently sold Kieran Gibbs.
The likes of Reiss Nelson and Ainsley Maitland-Niles are already ahead of Akpom in the pecking order and with Arsenal all but sorted in attack, there could be nowhere for him to fit in.
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