Aston Villa want Akpom before the deadline

Aston Villa are keen on signing Arsenal forward Chuba Akpom on loan before the deadline next week.

The Arsenal youngster is yet to feature for the Gunners in the league this season despite being part of the first team squad.

And according to the Birmingham Mail Bruce is looking to recruit a fifth player in this window to boost Villa’s play-off push.

Steve Bruce and Arsene Wenger have a track record of loan deals and it looks like Akpom could be another to continue his develop under the ex-United star.

If a deal is completed, it will be the fifth loan spell of the 21 year-old’s career so far. Akpom has already enjoyed a spell under the English manager – he spent much of last season on loan at Hull City while Bruce was in charge.

The striker is likely to receive plenty of playing time following the departure of Rudy Gustede who earlier this month was sold to Middlesborough for £6m.