Bees take Arsenal youngster on loan

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Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom has become the latest addition to Brentford’s ranks, joining on a month’s loan.

The England Under-19 international will be with the League One leaders until 9 February.

Akpom, 18, has been a long-term target for the Bees and scored a hat-trick for the Gunners in their 6-1 FA Youth Cup win over Peterborough on Monday.

Brentford boss Mark Warbuton was in the stands for that match to watch Akpom and said he was delighted to bring the highly-rated forward to Griffin Park.

He said: “I have enjoyed watching Chuba’s development over the last two seasons and particularly noticed his contribution for Arsenal in the NextGen Series tournament.

“He is a strong, quick player with an excellent touch and good vision and I am sure he will make a valuable contribution to the squad in the weeks ahead.

“I would very much like to thank Arsenal for their most professional and prompt response to our request to take Chuba.”

Akpom, who has been with Arsenal since he was six, made his Premier League debut in September and later that month scored in the decisive penalty shoot-out as the Gunners beat West Brom in the Capital One Cup.

He has represented England at Under-16, Under-17 and Under-19 level.

Brentford have been busy in the loan market this month, signing Alan Judge from Blackburn Rovers and extending the loan spells of youngsters George Saville and Marcello Trotta from Chelsea and Fulham respectively.

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