Arsenal offer striker Chuba Akpom new and improved three-year contract

Arsenal have reportedly offered striker Chuba Akpom a new three-year deal as they try to ward off interested clubs.

According to the London Evening Standard, the England U20 striker, who is currently on the final year of his contract can sign a pre-contract agreement with clubs abroad, but is in negotiations with the Gunners over a new deal while keeping his options open.

The report claims that Dutch clubs Feyenoord and FC Twente, along with Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, are interested in signing a pre-contract with the young Arsenal striker, with a view to a free transfer in the summer.

Apart from the European sides, rival clubs in England are also said to be monitoring the striker's contract situation.

However, the north London club are keen to hold on to the 19-year-old striker, who has been in impressive form for the Arsenal U21 team this season. His performances have also earned him three appearances in the first team.

With Lukas Podolski and Yaya Sanogo loaned out to Inter Milan and Crystal Palace for the remainder of the season, the young Englishman will remain with the first team and can expect to get more opportunities to impress the manager.

It is believed that the striker's representatives are holding discussions with the club regarding the contract, with the striker weighing up where he is most likely to get maximum first team opportunities.

Arsene Wenger will be keen to hold on to the young striker, who has impressed during pre-season with the first team, after letting go of youngster Benik Afobe during the ongoing January transfer window.

Afobe is close to completing a move to Championship side Wolves, after cutting short his impressive loan spell with League One side MK Dons, which saw him score 19 goals in 30 appearances for the club during the first half of the season.