ARSENAL youngster Tim Akinola has left North London to sign for Qatari side Al-Bidda.
The 22-year-old leaves the Gunners having failed to make a first-team appearance for Mikel Arteta’s men.
Akinola did train with the first team on occasion, however, and even upset senior player Thomas Partey.
During a session in November 2021, Akinola reportedly went flying into a 50-50 challenge with the Ghanaian.
Partey is claimed to have initially reacted angrily towards the over-exuberant youngster.
But the 30-year-old’s stance later softened, going on to describe Akinola as the “strongest” player he’d played with.
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The midfielder joined Arsenal from Huddersfield in the summer of 2020.
He became a regular for the Gunners’ Under-21s, and twice went out on loan.
Akinola played one game for Dundee United in 2022.
He then featured 31 times for National League side Chesterfield last term.
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Arsenal chiefs approved a move to Qatar for Akinola.
Al-Bidda play in the Qatari second tier and are based in Doha.
Some Arsenal fans were upset to see Akinola go.
One tweeted: “Another talent gone.”
While a second wrote: “Talents are finished in England.”
A third pointed out: “Arsenal keeps on selling their youngsters.”
Another added: “Best of luck to Tim Akinola at his new club! He is a talented player and I am sure he will be a success.”
Academy graduates Folarin Balogun and Ainsley Maitland-Niles left the Emirates over the summer.
While fellow youngsters Marcelo Flores, Ryan Alebiosu, Matt Smith and Nikolaj Moller also departed.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
