Arsenal midfielder Tim Akinola is set to go on loan in January, with a Championship club the most likely destination.
In December Arsenal are set to trigger a one-year extension to Akinola’s contract, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.
Akinola was previously at Mansfield, Lincoln and Huddersfield Town before making a surprise switch to Arsenal in August 2020.
The 20-year-old has already amassed over 30 appearances across Arsenal’s U23 and U21 sides and was a mainstay for the club at youth level last season.
It had been anticipated that Akinola would be sent on loan in the summer transfer window but he ended up staying at Arsenal and has trained with the first-team squad recently.
Mikel Arteta has been impressed with Akinola’s progress, with the youngster having featured in a behind closed doors friendly against Brentford at the training ground last month.
After enduring some difficult moments in his first season at the club, Akinola has shown some signs of improvement of late and was particularly impressive for the U23s against Brighton & Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium recently.
A player who relishes making crunching challenges, Akinola also enjoys the creative side of the game and will push forward when the opportunity arises.
Akinola, who is eligible to represent England or Nigeria, will hope to continue making an impact for the U23s until January and will then be looking to test himself on the senior stage.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
I accidentally came across a YouTube compilation of this kid while searching for something else.. (It’s nobodies business what I was searching for hmm I digress .) I try to keep up with our talented youngsters but hadn’t seen or heard much about him and I must say it was a pleasant surprise our academy seems to be filled with som really technically gifted players. I suggest everyone takes a look at his compilation and how he surrounded by opinions just twists and shakes them off to deliver through balls .
Wish him the best on loan.
I hope he has a trusted mentor to help him deal with all those pesky opinions. 😉
Hah for some reason my auto correct replaced my spelling of “opponents” with “opinions “ says a lot about how bad my spelling is that that was a better match.
Great news. A Championship club would bring him close to PL level, and give us valuable insight on a potential squad spot for him next season. At 20 he still has time on his side, but has to start getting senior experience.
Championship loan would be ideal for both player & club. However, given our other two (highly rated)U23 central midfielders are out on loan at League One sides, is the Championship really Akinola’s most likely destination? Or is League One/a lower European league more realistic?
The guy is a beast !
If we sell niles lets promote him …i think he is better than niles in that midfield …he is a beast ,remind me of viera