Arsenal starlet who once infuriated Thomas Partey agrees Middle East transfer as fans moan ‘another talent lost’
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.
