Arsenal midfielder Tim Akinola has spent the season on loan with Chesterfield in the National League, but he’s not set to join the club permanently.
Akinola posted his thanks to Chesterfield for his loan spell on Thursday, and he’s subsequently shared pictures on Instagram confirming he’s back at London Colney with Arsenal.
But All Nigeria Soccer report that the 22-year-old won’t be staying in north London for long.
According to ANS, Akinola has held talks with Arsenal, reaching a decision for him to move on again this summer. At this stage, that could be either on another loan move or a permanent departure.
Chesterfield’s failure to achieve promotion to the Football League has been cited as the reason why they aren’t pursuing a permanent move for Akinola.
West Bromwich Albion were impressed by the midfielder after his performance against them in the FA Cup this season, and they’re reportedly one of the clubs chasing his signature this summer.
ANS list Oxford United and Gillingham as other clubs to take an interest in Akinola, along with teams from Austria and Israel.
Another move certainly makes sense. After 31 appearances for Chesterfield this season, Akinola will be looking to make another step and play even more consistently next season.
The midfielder was very popular with the supporters at his loan club, but he didn’t start matches as much as they wanted him to.
Going back to youth football at Arsenal would limit his opportunities to play competitive football on a weekly basis, and the first-team midfield is likely to be pretty stacked next season.
Akinola’s next move will now depend on the concrete offers Arsenal receive in the coming months.
