The young midfielder reportedly travelled to Qatar last week to negotiate, before holding and passing a medical with his new club. He’s set to sign a lucrative three-year deal with the club.
Arsenal have reportedly sanctioned the permanent transfer, so it’s just a matter of time until it’s officially confirmed.
Tim Akinola playing for Chesterfield (Photo via Akinola on Instagram)
Tim Akinola playing for Chesterfield (Photo via Akinola on Instagram)
There were a number of clubs in England interested in Akinola, following his positive loan spell with Chesterfield last season.
Oxford United were reportedly one of multiple options he had in the English lower leagues, as well as attracting interest from Romania, Denmark, Israel, and Austria.
A move away from Arsenal would make sense given Akinola is in the final year of his contract and he’s already spent time out on loan.
Going back to play in the u21s would feel like a backwards step, especially now that he would technically be an overage player.
That wouldn’t be a major issue, as recent rule changes allow for five overage players in each matchday squad. If it came to it, Arsenal wouldn’t have any problem including Akinola in their lineups.
But the fact Akinola has technically aged out of u21 football is a sign that it’s time to make the next step.
Chesterfield’s failure to achieve promotion to the Football League has been cited as the reason why they didn’t pursue a permanent move for Akinola.
The midfielder made 31 appearances for Chesterfield this season, and he was very popular with the supporters.
But without the money the Football League brings, re-signing Akinola was always going to be a long shot. Instead, he’s set to make the switch to Qatar.
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