Ex-manager shocked by Arsenal and Mertesacker’s decision to sign released youngster

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Arsenal confirmed today on their official website that they had completed the signing of Tim Akinola on a free transfer.

The 19-year-old was released by Championship side Huddersfield Town at the end of last season, but the Gunners saw something in him that they liked. Akinola will join the under-23s but some people are still shocked that Arsenal chose to sign him.

The Athletic claimed that the North Londoners decided to sign him without even a trail which is a surprise to many. Arsenal coaches, headed by academy boss Per Mertesacker, spotted immense potential after watching his videos which put the wheels in motion to hand him a deal.

Akinola enjoyed a spell on loan at Brighouse Town last season. Vill Powell, his manager there, told The Sun that nobody at his club expected a side like Arsenal to make a move for him.

He said: “It does come as a surprise. I’ve got to admit a move to Arsenal from Huddersfield certainly wasn’t expected from what I saw with his time with us. He joined us on loan when we had a few injuries. He was a quiet lad, but a really combative midfielder.”

“He was box-to-to-box, won the ball back well and he had a positive impact while he was with us. Physically his frame isn’t imposing or big, but what he does do really well is he covers a lot of ground and gets the ball back quickly.”

“I can see why a Premier League club might’ve picked Tim up, but it’s come as a surprise at our football club.”

Akinola failed to break into Huddersfield Town’s first team. The teenager probably wouldn’t have imagined that a Premier League club would come in for him, especially after he was told that he had no place at The John Smith’s Stadium anymore.

It is highly unlikely that he will break into Arsenal’s senior squad any time soon. However, if he can impress Per Mertesacker in the next few months, he will be given the opportunities with the reserves and eventually, with the first team.