The Arsenal youngster Chuba Akpom has been given a big chance to kickstart his future Arsenal career this week. Not only did he win (and score) the equalizing penalty for the England U20 side against Mexico, but it has now been revealed that he will be joining the Championship high-flyers Nottingham Forest for the rest of the season.
Akpom signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal last month, but with the Gunners needing all their experienced players in the race for the Premiership title, the 19 year old is being given the opportunity to prove his goalscoring prowess in the lower League.
The official Arsenal website revealed the news last night. They reported: “Chuba Akpom has joined Nottingham Forest on loan until the end of the season.
The 19-year-old forward has made seven substitute appearances for Arsenal this season, winning a penalty in the 5-0 victory over Aston Villa at the start of February following an impressive performance in Arsenal’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Brighton and Hove Albion the week before.
Akpom is part of Aidy Boothroyd’s England Under-20s squad and scored a well-deserved equaliser in their penalty shootout victory over Mexico on March 25.
The striker, who signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal in February, made his debut for Arsenal Under-18s at the age of 15 and has been an integral part of the youth set-up ever since. The young forward is joining the Championship side to gain further first team experience.
Everyone at Arsenal wishes Chuba well for his time with Nottingham Forest.”
Akpom has looked very lively when given his chances at Arsenal, so we are all hoping that he can mesmerize the Championship defences in the next couple of months and maybe fire Forest into the Play-Offs. Akpom himself is very happy with this opportunity. He tweeted: “Delighted to have joined @Official_NFFC on loan. Can’t wait to get started and meet up with the squad after the internationals.”
If he continues showing his confidence to get into scoring positions he will have a great time at the City Ground, and by the end of the season we could be cheering on our newest deadly hitman, and everyone will be saying Lucky Lucky Forest!
I will certainly be watching him when I can….