Southwark News (via Oxford Mail) report that Oxford United are eyeing up a move for Arsenal’s Tim Akinola this summer, following the youngster’s loan spell with Chesterfield FC.
All Nigeria Soccer confirm that Oxford United are indeed interested in the Arsenal midfielder, and they scouted him during Chesterfield’s play-off final against Notts County.
But Akinola reportedly favours a move abroad, and he believes he has the quality to play for a top-flight club in Europe.
The 22-year-old has a year left on his contract, and he’s not ruling anything out at this stage. Oxford United are reportedly one of multiple options he has in the English lower leagues.
But from overseas, Akinola is attracting interest from Romania, Denmark, Israel, and Austria.
A move away from Arsenal would make sense given the length of his contract and the fact he’s already spent time out on loan.
Going back to play in the u21s would feel like a backwards step, especially now that he would technically be an overage player.
That wouldn’t be a major issue, as recent rule changes allow for five overage players in each matchday squad. If it came to it, Arsenal wouldn’t have any problem including Akinola in their lineups.
But the fact Akinola has technically aged out of u21 football is a sign that perhaps it’s time to make the next step.
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.
The midfielder made 31 appearances for Chesterfield this season, and he was very popular with the supporters.
