The 19-year-old scored a hat-trick as Arsenal beat a Singapore Select XI 4-0 to reach the final of the Barclays Asia Trophy on Wednesday, his first senior goals for the club.
Akpom has spent time on loan at Brentford, Coventry City and Nottingham Forest in recent seasons, but will be given his chance to break into the first team this term.
"How much [will he play]? I don’t know but I just believe that it’s an encouragement to do well and to work even harder," said Wenger following Akpom's star turn in Singapore.
"He’s a young player and it can lift his confidence. The confidence in the dressing room that you sense from the other players is important as well and that can help him.
"Let’s not forget it’s a friendly. He’s a good talent but he has to work and show that in [the big] games.
"I sent him out on loan last year because I thought he needed that. This pre-season, during the season, I plan to keep him with us."
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