Chuba Akpom will not be loaned out by the Gunners this month, as he is currently the only fit striker available at the club.
Arsenal’s Chuba Akpom could be in line to start in the Gunners’ curtain raiser
Chuba Akpom will not be loaned out by Arsenal this summer because he is needed for the first team, according to the Independent.
Akpom is currently the only full fit centre-forward at Arsene Wenger’s disposal, with Olivier Giroud set to be given extra time off after his European Championship exploits, whilst Danny Welbeck is a long way off a return to the first team following knee surgery last May.
21 year old Akpom is thus in contention to start in Arsenal’s season opener against Liverpool on 14th August, alongside fit again Theo Walcott, who may try to stake another claim to the centre forward role in Giroud’s absence.
Jamie Vardy elected to stay at Leicester
Arsenal were confident that they would be able to land Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy for £20 milion earlier in the transfer window, however the striker chose to stay in the East Midlands.
Vardy netted an impressive 24 goals for the Foxes last season, who went on to win their very first Premier League title.
Akpom spent last season on loan at Hull City
And, unless Arsenal re-enter the market for another forward, the Gunners may have to turn to Akpom on the opening day of the season.
Akpom spent last season on loan to Hull City, helping the Tigers secure a return to the Premier League. Nevertheless, his goal return in the league was rather unimpressive, netting just three times, with seven in all competitions.
Chuba Akpom at Hull City
After four loan spells at different clubs over the past few seasons, it now appears Akpom may now get a solid shot at the Arsenal first team, for whom he has scored one senior goal.
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