Chuba Akpom is enjoying a great season.

Promoted to the first team and handed a new long-term contract, the striker, who has been at Arsenal since he was six years old, is starting to realise his dream.

With strong interest from a number of top European clubs as Akpom’s contract ran down, including an offer from Borussia Dortmund, the youngster’s talent is clear for all to see.

Speaking to Arsenal.com, Akpom revealed what it’s like to train and play with the likes of Santi Cazorla, Tomas Rosicky, Mesut Ozil and others and that he believes he has what it takes.

He said

“It’s amazing.

“It’s a striker’s dream to play with Santi Cazorla, Tomas Rosicky and those world-class players in the squad. They care about you on the pitch – they want you to get goals, they’re looking for you.

“They’re not selfish players. They’re good lads as well, genuinely nice people and you can only improve training and playing with those types of players.

“They were [trying to set me up against Aston Villa]. I appreciate that and I’ve just got to make the right forward runs to score and create opportunities for the team. I’m just getting used to it really and I’m just hoping for more minutes and learning every game.

“It’s really hard physically, mentally, everything. To make the step from the reserves to the first team is really hard as well, so it’s going to take a while to get used to but I’m really enjoying it and most importantly I think I’m capable of it.”

Wenger has given Akpom a huge vote of confidence by sending Lukas Podolski, Joel Campbell and Yaya Sanogo out on loan while offering him the reserve striker position in the first team squad.

Whether it was just a ruse to get him to sign a new deal or a genuine endorsement of his talent from the boss, remains to be seen.