Arteta calls 20-year-old up to Arsenal first-team training, ‘Coquelin regen’ – report

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta called Tim Akinola up to first-team training this week, according to All Nigeria Soccer.

The outlet claims the Gunners boss ran the rule over the 20-year-old during Thursday’s first team training session at London Colney.

Akinola also featured in Arsenal senior training last week, being photographed vying with Thomas Partey.

All Nigeria Soccer also claimed Arteta is considering Akinola for the upcoming League Cup clash with AFC Wimbledon.

The midfielder faced the Dons last year in the EFL Trophy as part of the Arsenal Under-21s, who lost 3-0 at Plough Lane.

Akinola joined the Gunners last year after his release from Huddersfield and has made 27 appearances for the Gunners’ U23s.

Some Arsenal fans say Akinola reminds them of Francis Coquelin:

As reported by football.london, Akinola began his youth career at the age of 16 with League Two side Mansfield Town.

He then moved to Lincoln City ahead of the 2018-19 season.

Whilst with the Imps, Akinola played in the FA Youth Cup against West Brom.

He also had a loan spell at Lincoln United in the eighth tier of English football.

Akinola then joined Huddersfield last season after their relegation from the Premier League.

As reported by The Sun, meanwhile, he also had a spell on loan at eighth-tier Brighouse Town AFC in 2019-20.