Alex Iwobi backs Chuba Akpom to be the next player to make first-team step up

Alex Iwobi has backed Chuba Akpom to be the next player to break into the Arsenalfirst-team after he broke into the team midway through last season. The Nigerian forward broke into the senior squad last season and has now nailed down a regular place in the starting XI.

The 20-year-old has started six out of the seven games he has played in this season and is now ahead of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the pecking order. He has formed a strong understanding with Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott in the attacking department with Arsene Wenger predicting a bright future for the young forward.

Akpom has been around the senior team longer than Iwobi but has failed to get a regular place. He has spent the last few seasons out on loan with the most recent being a spell with Hull City in the Championship last campaign. Wenger admitted earlier that the England U21 international could be among four other playerswho could step up this season.

The 21-year-old has made one appearance for the Gunners this season, which came during the 4-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup. He is likely to be used mainly in the domestic cup competitions this season, as he is behind Alexis, Lucas Perez and Olivier Giroud in the race for the central striker's role.

"I don't really know who to expect, because you never know who will come through. But I'd say Chuba Akpom will be the next to join," Iwobi said, as quoted by the Sun.

"He and Glen Kamara are probably my best friends at the club.

"I've known Chuba since I was about three years old – I used to play Sunday League with him for Rippleway in Newham, and now we're still at Arsenal together. Glen came at U16s and he's just a joker of the team – I'm really close with him," the Nigeria international added.