Young forward Chuba Akpom has joined League One leaders Brentford on loan for one month.The 18-year-old has been in fine form for the Arsenal academy sides this season. He hit a hat-trick in the 6-1 victory over Peterborough United in the FA Youth Cup fourth round on Monday evening, scored three goals in four games in the Uefa Youth League in 2013 and has been a regular for the under-21s.

An England youth international, Akpom has appeared twice for Arsène Wenger’s first team this season. He made his Premier League debut as an injury-time substitute in Arsenal’s 3-1 victory away to Sunderland on September 14 and contributed to the League Cup win over West Bromwich Albion later in the month, scoring from the spot in the penalty shoot-out.

The Newham-born youngster also impressed on the first team’s pre-season tour of Asia last summer.The teenager scored in the 7-0 triumph over the Indonesia Dream Team, before bagging a quickfire brace in the 7-1 victory over Vietnam. He scored his fourth goal of the tour in the 2-1 win against Urawa Reds.

In joining the Bees, Akpom follows in the footsteps of Wojciech Szczesny, who spent six successful months on loan with the club in 2009/10.

Everyone at Arsenal wishes Chuba well for his time with Brentford.