Chuba Akpom has expressed his gratitude to manager Arsene Wenger for the pre-season game time he was given, and praised the chances afforded to his fellow youth compatriots as well.
The 19-year-old; who has been bred at Arsenal since age six; was given a number of cameos last season, followed by a full pre-season with the first team. He repaid this faith by scoring a hat-trick against a Select Singapore XI and playing a part in both of Arsenal’s Emirates Cup victories.
“It’s really good preparation,” Chuba said. “The experience for me and the other young players to get minutes and show people what we can do – we are all excited about the game at the weekend now.
“The main thing for me is for a manger to have confidence and faith in me so for the manager to say that he isn’t after another striker is good.”
The England U20 international signed a four-and-a-half year deal with the club back in February amidst reports that he may be reconsidering his future at the club. Despite the availabilities of Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck (not to mention Lord Harris’ comments on Wenger snooping around for a striker), Akpom is relishing Wenger’s Darwinist approach to squad building.
“I’d prefer to stay here and fight for a place and give it my all and compete with the other strikers,” he said. “There is a lot of talent in the team but I think I am capable of competing and getting a place in the team, it’s all down to hard work.
“But the hard work doesn’t stop there it means you have to maintain a place and there are a lot of good strikers and goals in the team so hopefully his season I can give it my all and be involved in the team.”
Somewhat benignly, Akpom also approved of Wenger’s choice to give young guns like Alex Iwobi and Jeff Reine-Adelaide a run out in the team. They too, have impressed the manager with encouraging displays, which have caught the eyes of many.
“It’s nice to see the young players doing well and the boss says he will always give opportunities to young players who are doing their job,” Akpom said.
“The boss really likes playing young players when he can and that motivates the young players because it shows them that they have a chance.”
