Arsenal midfielder James Olayinka is reportedly set to sign for League One side Cheltenham Town on a permanent deal, with the midfielder’s contract set to expire next year.
According to Gloucestershire Live, the 21-year-old will sign for the third-tier English club after failing to make a single professional appearance for Arsenal despite impressing at various youth levels for the north London side, with Olayinka this season alone scoring two goals in Premier League 2.
The Gunners have had a clearout of sorts in their U-21 squad this summer with numerous players leaving out on loan or on permanent deals, with Olayinka the latest name to leave Hale End, with Cheltenham an ideal next step for the Lambeth-born maestro.
Hailed by Southend United fans as a ‘special’ talent during his loan spell with the Shrimpers in 2020/21 season, Olayinka has the potential to become a solid player in the EFL after his upbringing at Arsenal, and signing for Cheltenham is perfect for where the midfielder currently is in his footballing career.
Olayinka can become a star in League One after signing for Cheltenham
At 21 and zero minutes for Arsenal’s first team, the Gunners and Olayinka are making a good decision deciding to part ways for good this summer, with the midfielder both ready for senior football and too old to be waiting for his chance under Mikel Arteta despite a European campaign this season.
With Cheltenham one of the bigger sides in League One, Olayinka has the potential to become a star in the division, and with the midfielder still very young and at an early stage of his footballing career, there’s a chance we could see the English talent come up the ranks in the years to come.
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