Chuba Akpom has been recalled from his loan spell at Coventry City with speculation mounting that the 18-year-old could compete for a first team place for the rest of the season.

The striker, who joined the Sky Blues back in February, garnered five starts during his time with the League One side and had been expected to complete the rest of the season under Steven Pressley’s stewardship.

In a slightly unsual deal Akpom had been allowed to play for the Gunners at youth level despite being on the books at Coventry and recently netted in both the UEFA Youth League and the FA Youth Cup. While he didn’t score during his time on loan his progress both tactically and physically is understood to have been noted by Arsene Wenger.

Interestingly, Coventry expressed concerns last week that Akpom was suffering from constantly chopping and changing between clubs.

“We fully respect Arsenal’s position but I don’t think it’s doing anyone any favours just now so it’s a situation we are going to have to look at,” said Pressley.

“He’ll be back for the weekend but I don’t think it’s helping him. He’s only 18 and it’s a big ask for him to come out and play, but it’s an even bigger ask when he is having to return there to a different culture and then return to us again. It’s just not ideal for the player and I think it’s affecting him.”

In pre-season the England under-19 international scored four goals for Arsenal on the tour of the Far East. He also spent January on loan at Brentford.