Former Arsenal star Chuba Akpom has sparked controversy with his latest Instagram post in which he confirmed his squad number with new club PAOK.

Akpom joined the Greek giants last week on a three-year deal, bring to an end his frustrating 16-year-spell in North London.

The 22-year-old joined Arsenal as a schoolboy, however spent most of his senior career out on-loan, most recently with Belgian side Sint Truiden, where he scored six times in 16 appearances. He made only 12 first-team appearances for Arsenal.

Akpom was given the number 47 shirt at PAOK, and to celebrate his permanent move to Greece, the striker took to Instagram to share his delight – posting a photo of himself in his new shirt alongside the hashtag ‘#AK47’, standing for Akpom 47.  He also posted the photo to his Twitter with the same caption.

#AK47 #AK47 #AK47 pic.twitter.com/5kE9NmmOy1

— Chuba Akpom (@cakpom) August 3, 2018

The pseudonym has been used by a number of high profile sports stars in the past, including former NBA superstar Andrei Kirilenko and Fulham striker Aboubakar Kamara.

However, harmless as it may seem, Akpom’s decision to use the nickname for himself couldn’t have come at a worse time.

In March earlier this year, PAOK owner Ivan Savvidis interrupted a game against AEK Athens, marching onto the pitch while carrying a pistol following a last-gasp disallowed goal for his side.

Savvidis was also understood to have verbally threatened the referee whilst carrying the firearm, and all Greek Super League fixtures were cancelled for a just over two weeks following the incident.

While Akpom without doubt meant no harm with his choice of nickname at Toumba Stadium, it goes without saying it wasn’t the wisest of choices for the young striker.

Akpom is expected to make his PAOK debut on Wednesday night versus Spartak Moscow in the Champions League third qualifying round.