Al Bidda set to unveil Arsenal midfielder Tim Akinola

Qatari side Al Bidda SC are set to unveil Tim Akinola after the midfielder left Arsenal on a permanent deal, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The 22-year-old has already signed a three-year contract with his new club after the Gunners gave the greenlight for the deal before the transfer window in the Middle East country ended.

Akinola joined Arsenal in 2020 after he was released by Huddersfield Town, with the North Londoners taking the unusual step of signing him without a trial after they were impressed following a video analysis of his tenacious midfield performances.

He featured for their under-21s but did not get to make a first-team debut, spending last term on loan in the National League with Chesterfield.

Akinola spent 2021-22 on loan in the Scottish Premiership with Dundee United but returned to Arsenal in March 2022 due to an injury which forced him to undergo surgery after just one appearance.

Akinola has already featured for the Qatari Second Division side, making his debut as they thrashed Al Ahli SC 4-1 in a Qatar FA Cup last Tuesday evening and grabbing two goals.

The Nigerian-born midfielder joined the Doha-based club in pristine physical condition having trained with Arsenal all through the pre-season before traveling to Qatar.

He could make his debut in the Qatargas League on September 21 when his club take on Al Sailiya on the opening day of the campaign.

Akinola snubbed offers from the Football League and European clubs before agreeing terms with Al Bidda SC and will look to make a name for himself at his new club having hit the ground running.