Arsenal Football Club have been a part of Chuba Akpom's life for as long as he can remember, having joined the club at th tender age of six, he has since made his way through the youth academy and is now knocking firmly on the first team's door.

Arsenal were far from the clinical and forward thinking club that many fans expect of them during the 2-0 defeat away to Southampton, but Wenger felt comfortable turning to the young Chuba Akpom when his side were chasing the game.

The belief Wenger instills in his youth has always been there clear for all to see, however it has been argued in recent times that the mix of experience and youth has never been a combination Wenger could master..

However, Chuba Akpom has since spoke of his hunger and desire to break into the first team and endure more first team encounters like the brief one he encountered against Southampton.

Aswell as clocking another five minute spell coming on as a substitute against Hull City in yesterday's convincing 2-0 win in the FA Cup Third Round, Akpom has played close to 15 minutes with the first team in the clubs last two fixtures. Nothing too extravigant but definite progress to say the least.

"I'm just dying to get on every game and every minute counts. I try my best to make the most of each opportunity that I get so, when I went out there I just gave 100 per cent."

-Akpom

With the confirmed loan of Lukasz Podolski to Inter Milan being finalised in recent days, and speculation surrounding potential loan moves for Chuba's forward counterparts Yaya Sanogo and Joel Campbell reportedly gathering pace, Arsene Wenger's recent belief in the England U20 international could prove to be rather telling.

Arsenal do have the returning Theo Walcott, who also featured in the win over Hull City, back in training to strengthen their options upfront and after Alexis Sanchez's fine display yesterday playing in the striker position Arsene Wenger will have plenty to chew over.

If anyone warrants game time more than any Chuba Akpom more than certainly stakes his claim amongst the team sheet, scoring nine from as many games for the U21's and giving a good account of himself in his two very brief spells amongst the first team.

Whether or not Chuba Akpom's recent increase in first-team activity is to convince Arsenal fans that no transfer dealings are needed, or whether Arsene Wenger genuinely feels Akpom is ready for a run in the first team remains to be seen, but Akpom is certainly not taking the opportunity lighty.

"Every game I'm hoping to get an opportunity. I just want to play. I'm hungry for it now"

-Akpom

Alongside his recent stints in the first team, Akpom also spent two fruitless seasons away on loan in previous seasons at Brentford and Coventry City, where despite scoring, would have benefited from the opportunities available.

Another player who Chuba can take positives from is one Francis Coquelin, who has rather surpringly shot to first team football in recent weeks and has been a stand out performer in an average Arsenal side.

Coquelin, who much like Chuba spent time away from the Emirates on loan, has taken his opportunity amongst the first team and doesn't show any signs of letting go of it. Coquelin spent time away at French side Lorient and German club SC Freiburg before impressing at Charlton Athletic in a loan spell last year. Coquelin, much like Chuba Akpom, will be determined to show Arsene Wenger what he has learnt and cement a first team position for himself.

Chuba posseses what every dangerous striker should have, speed. Having blitzed through U21 sides defences in recent months Chuba's pace is an attribute that, although doesn't separate him from the likes of Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott, certainly helps his cause.

One thing that the young Englishman does possess, which arguably the likes of Olivier Giroud and other first team forwards lack, is his sheer determination and drive to success at his boyhood club.

With a number of Arsenal's first team players questionably becoming complacent and comfortable with their role in the first team, the ever improving Akpom is hot on their heels and Arsene Wenger shows no sign of cutting back on his chances within the squad.

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About the author
Chris Frith
21 year old studying Football, Business & Media at University College of Football Business come September, at the iconic Wembley Stadium. Aspiring journalist currently writing regularly for two separate independent news providers.