Nigerian-Born Midfielder Likened To Kante Trains With Arsenal First Team Pre-Southampton

Published: January 26, 2021

Tim Akinola,19, was invited to train with Arsenal's first team before their trip to the South Coast, where they take on Southampton in the English Premier League on Tuesday night, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The Kogi-born starlet and another central midfielder of Nigerian parentage in Miguel Azeez were spotted training with the Gunners first teamers at London Colney on Monday.

Akinola joined the Emirates Stadium outfit in August 2020 after running out of contract with Huddersfield Town, signing a two-year contract that will keep him at Arsenal until June 30, 2022.

He is knocking on the door of the Arsenal first team, training with the squad on multiple occasions since he joined the club, and a debut this calendar year is certainly on the cards.

Blessed with defensive solidity, Akinola has drawn comparisons with one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, Chelsea star N'Golo Kante.

With the exception of the 3-3 draw with Manchester United in October, he has been utilized in every single game contested by Arsenal U21 and U23 teams this season, fifteen in total, starting thirteen of the matches.

Born and raised in Nigeria, Akinola moved to England at the age of eight.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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