It's not quite been the season Nottingham Forest fans have hoped it would have been as Philippe Montanier's side have struggled to find consistency.

Having said that, a quick turn in fortune could swiftly change the set-up of the season as Forest sit just six points behind the top-six.

With the right sort of January activity, Forest could climb into the play-off positions and contend amongst the fight for promotion.

To do that though, the sort of signing Forest need must be able to swiftly turn games around.

Enjoying a four-match unbeaten run at the moment, with three consecutive victories, Forest have the potential to be contenders this season and signing Chuba Akpom on-loan in January could provide the push that Forest require.

It would be a risk but everything signing is and we've identified TWO reasons why Forest have to go all-out to sign Chuba Akpom in January....

Inspiration

Sometimes when things aren't going your way, you need a player that can grab the game by the scruff of the neck and push you over the line.

Whilst Chuba Akpom's senior statistics may suggest he isn't that sort of player, there's reason to believe that's not the case.

Now 21, Akpom is playing for his future and a loan move in January may decide his long-term fate with Arsenal.

Boasting an impressive goal ratio with England's youth levels, which include three goals in four appearances for the U21, Akpom is capable of deciding the outcome of a match.

During the 2012/13 season, playing for Arsenal's youth ranks, he scored ten goals in ten games during the Elite Group Stage and the numbers suggest that once he finds his feet, Akpom is a player who can do wonderful things.

Long-term benefit

As mentioned, Chuba Akpom is fighting for his Arsenal future and his loan move in January may well be his last chance of making an impression.

Even then, vast competition in North London could force Akpom out of the club.

The same situation occurred with Benik Afobe at Wolves, where the young striker enjoyed an excellent spell but faced no future in North London.

He joined Wolves permanently, playing a starring role, and was then sold for a profit to high-flying Bournemouth.

Forest could enjoy the same success with Akpom- enjoy his performances on loan, make the deal permanent and then either fight towards promotion or sell to a club in the top-flight. It's a win-win situation.