Academy Manager Per Mertesacker has seen ‘rapid’ improvements from Arsenal prospect Tim Akinola in recent weeks whilst he impresses in their Under 23s, per football.london.
Akinola joined the Gunners on a free transfer last year after Huddersfield Town released the defensive midfielder. He spent just a year with the Terriers’ academy after a spell with Lincoln Town in his youth.
The Englishman is a unique prospect in the Arsenal youth fold after showing tenacity and dynamism in his game. Mertesacker has also noted a considerable rise in his development this season after standing out in training over recent weeks.
Mertesacker is not the only Arsenal staff member that Akinola impressed, either, after a strong debut season in north London. He was a fixture of Steve Bould’s U23s throughout 2020/21, making 22 PL2 appearances and four EFL Trophy outings.
Akinola has only featured once for Kevin Betsy’s development side across all competitions this season. But could be a contender for minutes under Mikel Arteta in the Carabao Cup, should the Spaniard look to include a large number of youngsters against AFC Wimbledon.
Football.london expect Charlie Patino will feature in Arteta’s squad on Wednesday night after also impressing coaches and some senior players. Additionally, club staff rate Salah-Eddine Oulad M’hand among the brightest prospects currently at Hale End.
Should Arteta hand Akinola his senior Arsenal debut?
Arteta is yet to include Akinola in any of his matchday squads since the midfielder joined Arsenal last summer. The 20-year-old also failed to make his senior bow with Huddersfield, but featured as an unused substitute once with Lincoln.
Akinola impressing Mertesacker and Arsenal with his ‘rapid’ rise in training may see Arteta now hand him his chance, though. His efforts at Huddersfield had already left a strong impression on the Gunners, with The Athletic noting they signed him without a trail.
Arsenal adored Akinola’s tenacious displays with the Terriers, and will look to develop his raw but exciting potential. He failed to breakthrough at the John Smith’s Stadium due to intense competition in his age group. So will hope his path is not blocked in north London.
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