Oxford United are reportedly interested in Arsenal midfielder Tim Akinola, as well as Tyler Burey and James Beadle, as reported by the Oxford Mail.
Oxford United are looking to land three players, as they continue their busy activity in the summer transfer window, with the club linked with Arsenal midfielder Tim Akinola, Millwall striker Tyler Burey and goalkeeper James Beadle.
The club have already made three signings this transfer window, all of whom on free transfers, Ruben Rodrigues of Notts County, Jordan Thorniley of Blackpool and Josh McEachran from MK Dons will all join the U’s at their end of their contracts with their respective clubs.
At the beginning of this week it was reported that Championship side Millwall had accepted a bid from a top club in League One and it is now reported that the League One side are in pole position to complete the signing. Meanwhile, James Beadle has been linked with a move away from Brighton & Hove Albion and earlier this week, it was also reported that Oxford had begun to make a move, joining Bolton Wanderers in the race for the goalkeeper.
Beadle joined Crewe Alexandra on loan in January, making nine appearances for the club and impressed on his debut as he kept a clean sheet at Walsall. The 18 year old went on to keep two more clean sheets during his loan spell, coming against Doncaster Rovers and Barrow. The goalkeeper went on to represent England at the Under-20 World Cup.
Burey made 24 appearances for Millwall in the league last season, scoring and assisting on one occasion each. The 22 year old joined Millwall in July 2019 from AFC Wimbledon.
Oxford United have now added a third name to their list, with the club reportedly interested in 22-year-old Arsenal midfielder Tim Akinola. The midfielder is thought to be looking for a move away from the Emirates after a loan spell with National League side Chesterfield. It is believed the 22-year-old’s contract at the club currently runs until June 2024.
Akinola is yet to make a first team appearance since joining the Gunners from Huddersfield in 2020, but does have experience in the Papa John’s Trophy for the under-21 side. The holding midfielder spent last season on loan with Chesterfield and it was believed he would be joining the club permanently, however, he will not be making the switch permanent, but it has since been reported he has been given the green light to make a move this summer.
However, Oxford may struggle to complete the signing of the Nigerian, it is thought he favours a move abroad and does currently hold the belief that he can become a regular in a top European side. Akinola made 27 appearances for the Sprites during his loan spell, but did not impact the scoresheet during that time.
Writer’s View
The club have already shown plenty of ambition in the transfer window so far with their three acquisitions already, the addition of their interest in Akinola especially shows the ambition they currently hold for next season. However, with the thoughts he currently holds regarding a move, it may be difficult for the U’s to persuade the midfielder to join. As for the signings of Beadle and Burey, a bid accepted by the Lions puts the U’s in a strong position to complete the signing and further strengthen their side, there is no update on Beadle currently however. It does look to be a promising season at Oxford United next season.
