Arteta promotes two Academy stars to first-team squad

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has promoted two Academy stars -- James Olayinka and Tim Akinola in the first-team squad.

The academy duo have been testing themselves against those in Arsenal first-team who are not away on international duty.            

The 20-year-old academy aces could even be in line to feature in the Norwich clash this weekend.

And both Olayinka and Akinola have had their chance to impress while training with the first team.

With Granit Xhaka suspended after his red card against Manchester City, and Mohammed Elneny linked with a move to Galatasaray there is at least one spot available in Arteta's squad.

Akinola joined Arsenal's academy set-up from Huddersfield last summer and has played 27 times for the Gunners' U23 squad.

He was expected to leave on loan during the transfer window in a bid for first team action.

But he could be set to get his chance for Arsenal sooner than he may have thought.

Olayinka meanwhile signed his first professional contract for the Gunners in 2019.

The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Southend in League Two.

He's been part of the Arsenal first team squad once before and was an unused substitute in the 2020 Community Shield win against Liverpool.

And both midfielders have been training with Arteta's first team this week as the Gunners boss looks to utilize the young talents at his disposal at London Colney.