Not every Arsenal academy player makes it to the first team. Unfortunately for Chuba Akpom, he appears to be one of them.
Chuba Akpom to sign with Sint-Truiden for €2.25 million
Akpom joined Arsenal’s famed academy at the age of six, made his debut for the U18 side at the age of 15 and signed his first professional contract with the club in 2012 after turning 17. Season after season, he was loaned out to various clubs in England’s lower divisions (Brentford, Coventry City, Nottingham Forest, Hull City and Brighton). In January, he left England for the first time as part of a loan move to Sint-Truiden. The Belgian side was impressed with his performances (six goals) and is now pursuing a permanent deal for the Nigeria native. The proposed transfer is thought to be around €2.25 million.
Competition in Arsenal’s attack is too strong for the 22-year-old, who’ll have a much better chance at progressing in his career away from the club. Chuba Akpom has not been able to break into the first team. With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette firmly holding onto the starting lineup spots, Akpom does not appear to be in Unai Emery’s plans for this season either.
Other players set to leave Arsenal
Akpom is only one of a few players expected to leave Arsenal before the transfer window closes in England. Lucas Perez or Danny Welbeck could be on his wait out, either permanently or on loan. Joel Campbell should finally be sold as well.
With the arrival of Bernd Leno, The Gunners have too many goalkeepers. Both David Ospina and Petr Cech have been part of transfer whispers. The Colombian’s name was related to Boca Juniors, while Petr Cech could replace Thibaut Courtois if the Belgian were to leave for Real Madrid.
Shkodran Mustafi, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Carl Jenkinson, Nacho Monreal could be on the move as well.
