Arsenal and Nigerian forward Alex Iwobi has revealed the academy star he thinks will be next into Arsenal’s first team.
Iwobi himself was an academy graduate at Gunners academy and was promoted to the first team during the 2015/16 season. Since then, Iwobi has made 66 appearances for the Gunners, scoring seven goals in the process.
Iwobi has also become a member of the Nigerian international side, even scoring the goal that secured Nigeria qualification into next summer’s FIFA World Cup in Russia. Now, after the 21-year-old own brilliant start to his career, Iwobi has revealed who could be next rising star at the Emirates.
According to the Metro, after being questioned during a fan Q&A who would be the next player to break of Gunners youth system, Iwobi said: “I don’t know who to expect because you never know at this time who will come through. But I would say Chuba Akpom.
“He’s next to join. I knew Chuba since the age of three, playing Sunday league with him and we’re still at Arsenal together.”
Chuba Akpom made his debut for Arsenal back in 2013, but he has failed to earn a place in the first team since. Akpom has registered four appearances for the Gunners, and has yet to score.
The striker has also had disappointing loan moves to Brentford, Coventry City, Nottingham Forest, Hull City and Brighton, where he has scored only seven goals in a combined 68 appearances.
However, the 22-year-old has had a brilliant record in the England international youth system, netting an impressive 20 goals across 40 appearances in various international levels. Akpom also scored in a recent U23 game for the north London club against Sunderland U23.
Since the Englishman has stayed at Arsenal this season, he may be hoping that this is finally his year to get into the first team with the Gunners.
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