EFL clubs make contact with Arsenal over availability of Nigerian-born midfielder

Nigerian-born midfielder Tim Akinola could be departing Arsenal on loan in the January transfer window, allnigeriasoccer.com has been told.

The 20-year-old had attracted interest from several foreign teams in the summer but the Gunners hierarchy blocked the move because they wanted him to be loaned out to a Football League club in England.

Now, it can be reported with certainty that several unnamed EFL clubs have made contact with Arsenal over the availability of the Anglo-Nigerian starlet ahead of the re-opening of the transfer window.

It is not yet a foregone conclusion that Akinola will leave on loan as Arsenal will be cautious in approving the request for a temporary transfer considering that two central midfielders in Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey will be away at the African Cup of Nations in January 2022, leaving them short on numbers in the department.

The promising youngster is liked by Mikel Arteta, with the Spaniard inviting him to train with the senior squad on countless occasions this season ahead of a potential debut for the first team.

Akinola has started the last five games played by Arsenal in the Premier League 2 and his form has kept James Olayinka on the bench.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel