Chuba Akpom 'very close' to signing new Arsenal contract to turn down moves to FC Twente, Feyenoord and Borussia Dortmund

Striker has featured from the substitutes' bench in recent weeks and has been assured he is part of Arsene Wenger's long-term plans

Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom (Getty Images)

Chuba Akpom is about to commit his future to Arsenal.

The 19-year-old striker is out of contract this summer but is understood to be “very close” to signing a four-and-a-half year deal Arsenal have offered him to keep him at the club.

Akpom had been seeking assurances that he was part of Arsene Wenger’s long-term plans but those have been made, and he is now said to be convinced that he has a chance at the club has always played for.

He made lively substitute appearances in recent games against Brighton and Hove Albion and Aston Villa, in which he won a penalty scored by Santi Cazorla.

Akpom won a penalty in the 5-0 win over Aston Villa that Santi Cazorla scored (Getty Images)

There were lucrative pre-contract offers from FC Twente, Feyenoord and Borussia Dortmund, as well as interest from top Premier League sides but Akpom is close to confirming his decision to stay at Arsenal, and the deal could even be announced later this week.