Friday 14 August 2015 15:30, UK
Chuba Akpom is hoping his season-long loan at Hull City will give him the opportunity to show Arsene Wenger he is ready to become a first-team regular at Arsenal.
Akpom scored on his debut for Hull City against Huddersfield Town last weekend, and the on-loan Arsenal striker says he’s ready to grasp the opportunity that Steve Bruce has given him to play regular first team football.
“I want to work as hard as I can and contribute to the team. This is my first full season on loan and that is important because it takes times to settle.”
The teenager was encouraged to sign for Hull by Wenger, and he is already enjoying life in the Championship.
“The boss (Arsene Wenger) said I’d be in his plans for the season but he wants me to play as many games as possible. I’m 19 going on 20 and I need to play games. He’s told me to be confident and show what I can do and he’s really encouraged me.”
Hull are looking to bounce straight back into the Premier League after their relegation to the Championship on the final day of last season, and Akpom is hoping they can give him the platform to fulfil his aim of making the grade at the Emirates.
He said: “I’ve trained with the first team and played games so I’ve had a taster. The main target is to play for the Arsenal first team. But the Premier League is tough and you’ve got to work hard, be patient and wait for your chance.”
Akpom will get another chance to impress in a Hull shirt on Sunday against Wolves, who have their own graduate of the Arsenal youth system.
Benik Afobe has found a home at Molineux after failing to make the grade at Arsenal, but Akpom is a big fan: “He had a few injuries at Arsenal but he’s come back stronger, a better player and scored goals," he said.
"I’m happy for Benik and his success. He’s a few years older than me and this Sunday will be a real showdown. I just hope we can get the three points.”
The lunchtime kick-off is live on Sky Sports, so is this an opportunity to impress Wenger?
“The main thing is to play well and get the three points. But hopefully the boss is watching and I have a good game.”
Watch Wolves v Hull in the Sky Bet Championship live on Sky Sports 5 HD from 12pm on Sunday afternoon. Catch the match for £6.99 on NOW TV. No contract.
