Arsenal are set to activate an option in the contract of young midfielder Tim Akinola, keeping him at the club beyond the end of the season.
That’s according to Football.London, who claim that Akinola’s deal is technically set to expire at the end of this season.
Akinola penned a two-year deal when he joined Arsenal from Huddersfield Town in 2020.
All Nigeria Soccer reported last month that there is a two-year option in the contract, which lines up with Football.London’s claims.
The report notes that Arsenal think so highly of Akinola that he was expected to feature against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup.
However, Thomas Partey asked to play in the game, and that request meant Akinola didn’t play.
Does Akinola have a chance at first-team football with Arsenal?
It won’t be easy for Akinola, but the Gunners clearly see something in him.
The 20-year-old has started the last four Premier League 2 games for Arsenal’s Under-23’s, all as a holding midfielder.
If Arsenal keep Akinola until 2024, he will have a real chance to keep pushing experienced players like Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny.
There are other young midfielders in the mix. Akinola would have to compete with the likes of Miguel Azeez and Charlie Patino in midfield roles at Arsenal.
That won’t be easy for Akinola, with those two players being tabbed for big futures at Arsenal.
Still, the youngster has given himself a chance and Arsenal want him around for a while yet in a major show of faith.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
