Arsene Wenger has stressed he wants to include Chuba Akpom in his first-team plans this season after the Arsenal youngster netted an impressive hat-trick in Wednesday's Barclay's Asia Trophy semi-final against a Singapore Select XI.
Akpom has made just four senior appearances for the club he joined at the age of six, but in February shunned interest from Premier League rivals to sign a new long-term contract with the Gunners.
Brief spells at Brentford, Coventry City and Nottingham Forest over the past two years have failed to provide the platform for Akpom to showcase his talent, but Wenger insists the young striker will soon be given a chance to shine at the Emirates Stadium.
"No, he won't be going out on loan," Wenger told reporters after Akpom's Barclay's Asia Trophy semi-final display. "I sent him out on loan last year because I thought he needed that.
"But this season no, I plan to keep him with us. It's down to performance and attitude and he has the assets to be a big talent. And, after that, to be an efficient player week in week out, that's the target.
"So it's down to him. How much I don't know. It's encouragement to do well and work even harder. He’s a young player and it can lift confidence. The confidence you sense in the dressing room from other players is important as well.
"That can help you. But let's not forget it's a friendly. He's a good talent but he has to work and show that in every game."
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