Arsenal's Nigeria-born midfielder likened to Chelsea's Kante in demand this summer

Published: June 26, 2021

Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that Nigerian-born midfielder Tim Akinola is attracting huge interest from other clubs in the summer transfer window.

Arsenal are willing to allow him go out on loan next season to acquire more experience while playing first team football.

It is confirmed that several unnamed clubs are in talks with Akinola's British-based representative in a bid to sign him on loan.

The 20-year-old was one of the highest appearance makers for the Gunners U21 and U23 sides last term with 26 games under his belt - an indication that he is highly rated by the youth team coaching staff.

The former Huddersfield Town starlet was named in every matchday squad with the exception of the 2-2 draw with West Ham U23s on May 7, a game he was unavailable for selection due to injury.

Akinola, who was on the radar of the Flying Eagles coaches last year, has drawn comparisons to Chelsea's World Cup winner N'Golo Kante due to his style of play.

"I get compared to the likes of Kante and few others defensive midfielders but I don’t like comparing myself to other players," Akinola told allnigeriasoccer.com last autumn.

"I do study so many types of midfielders to see their best bits and add it on to my game as I want to become the best centre midfielder."

Akinola will enter the final twelve months of his contract with Arsenal in July 2021.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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