Zambia Slayer Iwobi Expecting Fireworks From Arsenal Pal Akpom

Nigeria international Alex Iwobi is tipping fellow Hale End Academy product Chuba Akpom to break into the first team of Arsenal in the not too distant future.

Iwobi, 20, forced his way into the first team following impressive displays when he was handed his chance by manager Arsene Wenger in the second part of last season, and wants his good pal to join him.

“I don’t really know who to expect, because you never know who will come through. But I’d say Chuba Akpom will be the next to join, ” Iwobi told fourfourtwo.com.

“He and Glen Kamara are probably my best friends at the club.

"I’ve known Chuba since I was about three years old – I used to play Sunday League with him for Rippleway in Newham, and now we’re still at Arsenal together.”

Akpom, who is an England U21 international, has enjoyed loan spells at Brentford, Coventry, Nottingham Forest and Hull.

Igho Kingsley