'Show them' - Akinola sends message to outgoing Arsenal defender following loan switch to Marseille

Published: July 15, 2021

Nigerian-born midfielder Tim Akinola has sent a message to William Saliba after the Frenchman completed a season-long loan move to Marseille on Thursday, July 15.

Saliba, a France U20 international, has been declared surplus to requirements by manager Mikel Arteta and has been farmed out on loan for the third time in his Gunners career to continue his development.

Akinola and Saliba have played together in the Arsenal U21 and U23 teams, against Gillingham FC and AFC Wimbledon in the Papa John's Trophy, and five matches in the Premier League 2 in 2020-2021.

The former Huddersfield Town midfielder could also be loaned out before the window closes as he is keen to join a team where he will play first-team football.

Following the confirmation of his temporary switch to Marseile, Saliba posted on Instagram (translated to English) : "Very happy to join such an emblematic City and Club, I can't wait to wear and wet the OM jersey 🔵⚪️ @olympiquedemarseille".

Akinola is backing Saliba to live up to the potential that earned him a move to Arsenal in July 2019.

Responding to Saliba's post, he said : "Show them 🔥".

Akinola has trained several times with Arsenal's first team but has yet to make his senior debut for the Emirates Stadium outfit.

Igho Kingsley

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com