22 year-old striker open to permanent move

Belgian side STVV want to make Chuba Akpom’s loan stay with them a permanent one after the Arsenal striker netted his first goal of the season.

The Englishman has failed to establish himself in the Arsenal first-team and was shipped out on loan to Sint-Truiden last month.

Akpom joined the Belgian outfit on a six-month loan spell in January but the club are already considering keeping him for longer.

According to O’Loughlin, who Sport Witness report was a key figure in bringing the striker to Belgium, it’s all down to Arsenal.

Akpom has had several loan spells away from Arsenal, including stints at Charlton, Hull and Blackburn Rovers.

Arsenal have made it clear they will not stand in the way of their youth academy product should he wish to make his switch permanent.

STVV have made clear that they would want to sign the 22-year-old.

“We exclude nothing, but everything depends on Arsenal,” assistant manager Chris O’Loughlin told Het Belang van Limburg.

“I don’t think they can already answer about their plans for Chuba next season. It is too early for that.”