Arsenal youngster Chuba Akpom to join Brentford on loan

Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom will join Brentford on loan on Thursday, despite leaving Arsenal short of cover up front.

The 18-year-old was expected to stay at The Emirates as cover following injuries to Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner.

Akpom, who has made a handful of appearances for the Arsenal first team, guided the young Gunners through to the next stage of the FA Youth Cup on Monday with a hat-trick against Peterborough.

Brentford boss Mark Warburton was in the stands as the youngster impressed in the 6-1 win, with Peterborough, Leyton Orient and MK Dons also keen.

Brentford also signed Blackburn winger Alan Judge on loan on Wednesday.