Photo : Nigerian-born midfielder gets new Arsenal shirt number ahead of 2021-2022 season

Published: July 26, 2021

Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that Nigerian-born midfielder Tim Akinola has been given a new shirt number (see photo) at Arsenal ahead of the forthcoming 2021-2022 season.

Akinola will sport the number 36 at the back of his jersey for Premier League and Papa John's Trophy matches in the new season, a number worn by another Nigeria-eligible player Ryan Alebiosu in 2020-2021.

Signed from Huddersfield Town last summer, Akinola had previously been wearing the number 61 for EFL Trophy matches.

Arsenal's number 36 was previously worn by Ismael Bennacer, Emiliano Martínez, Thomas Cruise, Mark Randall, Johan Djourou, John Halls, Jermaine Pennant, Brian McGovern and Jehad Muntasser

Akinola has started training recently with his Arsenal U23 teammates having fully recovered not too long ago from a groin injury he suffered at the end of last season.

The promising midfielder was one of the most used players in the Arsenal U21 and U23 squads last term, making 26 appearances in all competitions including 22 in the Premier League 2.

The 20-year-old Akinola was invited to train with Arsenal first team several times last season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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