Arsenal youngster set for new deal as Mikel Arteta eyes Thomas Partey alternative
The Gunners signed six players in the summer transfer window and have been gradually integrating youngsters into their first team squad
Arsenal are expected to trigger an option in Tim Akinola’s contract which will ensure his contract doesn’t expire next summer, football.london understands.
The 20-year-old has been training regularly with the Arsenal first team this season after joining from Huddersfield last summer.
Akinola played regularly for the under-23s last season and his current contract expires in next summer.
However, football.london understands that there is an option in Akinola’s contract which would allow the Gunners to extend his deal beyond June of next year.
Alongside highly-rated Charlie Patino it was expected that Akinola would be named in the recent Arsenal squad to face AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup, but a late request from Thomas Partey saw the youngsters drop out.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has previously spoken about his giving the likes of Folarin Balogun and Arthur Okonkwo first team opportunities, although the most likely outcome for Akinola is that he will go out on loan in January.
“It is great, it is just a small step, but now the bigger step is trying to become a regular in the first team. That is a small step compared to the next step they have to take.
“That is the first thing they have to realise, the hard work is not done yet. The hard work is going to start right now, and the expectations start right now and if they have this mentality they have the potential, we believe in them and they will have the opportunities.” Several Arsenal youngsters will see their contracts expire next summer, as well as first team stars Alexandre Lacazette, Eddie Nketiah and Calum Chambers.
