---
title: "Arsenal forward close to making massive decision on future"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/arsenal-forward-close-to-making-massive-decision-on-future/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Christy Malyan"
section: "Arsenal Football Club"
published: "2017-03-29T18:32:39Z"
modified: "2017-03-29T18:32:39Z"
---

# Arsenal forward close to making massive decision on future

**England supporters in the Transfer Tavern are fretting over the growing number of young players who appear to be turning their backs on a future with the Three Lions.**

Wilfried Zaha’s decision to switch allegiances to the Ivory Coast despite twice winning caps for England has been [at the centre of attention this week](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/mar/27/wilfried-zaha-england-gareth-southgate-ivory-coast) after scoring in a 2-0 win over Russia last Friday.

And it appears another Premier League youngster could be about to snub a career with the Three Lions in favour of joining up with an African nation. According to [The Independent](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/arsenals-chuba-akpom-set-to-follow-chelseas-ola-aina-and-represent-nigeria-over-england-a7653356.html), Arsenal’s Chuba Akpom is close to declaring for Nigeria – although he’s yet to make a final decision on his future at international level.

The 21-year-old trained with Nigeria in Barnet this week – they drew 1-1 with Senegal at The Hive last Thursday – as part of the Nigerian Football Federation’s attempts to improve the quality of their squad by attracting English-born players with Nigerian heritage.

Akpom has struggled to break through at the Emirates Stadium – he’s currently on loan at Brighton – and The Independent believe he’ll leave this summer, but the 6 foot striker is clearly rated within the England fold, having represented the Junior Lions at U16, U17, U19, U20 and U21 level.

Akpom is yet to make a final decision on his future, but England punters in the Tavern are hoping he’ll undergo a change of heart – England need exciting young players just as much as the Nigerian national team do!

**Does Akpom have a future with England? Let us know by commenting below!**