Arsenal Send Promising Youngster Out on Loan Despite Striker Shortage

Highly rated Arsenal youngster Chuba Akpom has completed a loan move to Brentford after Arsene Wenger initially delayed the move while weighing up the fitness of his striking options.

The 18-year-old striker who impressed for the Gunners on their pre-season tour of the Far East during the summer has joined the League One leaders on a one month deal having impressed manager Mark Warburton during Arsenal's FA Youth Cup victory over Peterborough United.

"He is a strong, quick player with an excellent touch and good vision," Warburton said through Brentford's official website.

"I am delighted to welcome Chuba to the club for what will be his first loan spell away from his own club.

"I have enjoyed watching Chuba's development over the last two seasons and particularly noticed his contribution for Arsenal in the NextGen Series tournament.

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

Arsene Wenger's decision to sanction Akpom's move could be an indication that Nicklas Bendtner is close to a return from injury. The Denmark international suffered an ankle injury in his side's New Year's Day win over Cardiff City and missed the FA Cup win over Tottenham.

However the 25-year-old is thought to have made rapid progress in in his recovery, with reports suggesting that he is only a matter of days from returning to first team training.

But with Theo Walcott a long term absentee, Wenger may have to bring in an additional forward to complete with Bendtner and Olivier Giroud as the club seek to strengthen their position at the summit of the Premier League.

The club's interest in Real Madrid's Alvaro Morata was quashed by manager Carlo Ancelotti who insisted he had every intention of retaining the 21-year-old, but the striker himself has admitted that he will have to consider his options should first team opportunities remain scarce at the Bernabeu.