Arsenal Coach Begins Running The Rule Over Nigeria Target Akpom, Iwobi Excused

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will begin monitoring England U21 international Chuba Akpom at close quarters this week.

The Hale End Academy product and other first-teamers not involved in international duty in the off season are due to report back for pre-season training on Monday July 3.

This pre-season is Akpom's last chance to impress the French coach considering speculations linking him with a permanent departure from the Emirates Stadium outfit in the summer transfer window.

Last year, his performance in pre-season ticked the right boxes, with the striker netting against MLS All-Stars, Guadalajara, Viking and Manchester City.

Alex Iwobi will also come under close scrutiny in the next one month after losing his spot in the Gunners starting eleven towards the end of last season due to a drop in form.

The Nigeria international is expected to return to London Colney before Arsenal's tour of Australia, where they will face A-League sides Sydney Fc and Western Sydney Wanderers.

Flying Eagles skipper Kelechi Nwakali will fly to London this week, Wednesday or Thursday, for talks over his future at Arsenal.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com