Norwich City have missed out on Arsenal's highly-rated young striker Chuba Akpom who has linked up with Championship rivals Nottingham Forest on loan until the end of the season.

City were heavily touted with a loan move for the 19-year-old who scored for England's Under-20s in their win over Mexico's Under-20s at Barnet on Wednesday night.

Alex Neil had made it clear he wanted fresh firepower, with Lewis Grabban sidelined after ankle surgery and Luciano Becchio seemingly out-of-favour, but Akpom has opted to join Forest in a bid for regular football.

Akpom used his official Twitter account to tweet: 'Delighted to have joined Official_NFFC on loan. Can't wait to get started and meet up with the squad after the internationals.'

The teenager, who signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal in February, has made seven senior appearances for the Gunners this season but has yet to score, with his last appearance coming in the FA Cup win over Middlesbrough at the Emirates.

Akpom previously had loan spells at Coventry City and Brentford last season and Forest chief Dougie Freedman made it clear at the weekend he was still hopeful he could persuade the striker to choose the City Ground, after Akpom reportedly held talks with the Canaries prior to their 3-1 win over the Reds.

The Arsenal youth product, who made his debut for Arsenal Under-18s at the age of 15, goes straight into the Forest squad and is available to make his debut in the Good Friday league trip to Wolves.

Akpom is currently with the England Under-20s squad preparing for a friendly against thei USA counterparts on Sunday.