Akpom made his fourth first-team appearance of the season in the 3-2 FA Cup win against Brighton on Sunday but has not yet decided whether to extend until his contract until 2018. The deal is into its final six months, meaning Akpom, who has been with Arsenal since the age of six, can be approached by other clubs. Wenger wants Akpom to stay – and has told him that he is in his first-team plans after a prolific two years in the academy and reserve teams – but it will clearly be difficult to dislodge Olivier Giroud, Danny Welbeck or Alexis Sánchez as the main central striker in the usual 4-2-3-1 system. Akpom now wants regular first-team football but will not be loaned out this January.