Cardiff City, Fulham and Brentford are all interested in signing Chuba Akpom on loan for the rest of the season, according to The Times.

After watching youngster impress in pre-season and with his attacking options a little light at the time, Arsene Wenger opted against loaning out the England under-21 international in August.

The young striker subsequently started and played well in the 4-0 EFL Cup win over Nottingham Forest but then picked up a back injury that kept him sidelined until an appearance for Steve Gatting’s under-23s last week.

Given the form of Olivier Giroud and Lucas Perez and with Danny Welbeck now back in contention, it certainly makes sense for Akpom to go and play elsewhere in the second half of the season. Having spent last term on loan with Hull in the Championship he knows what to expect if he does indeed take a step down.