Ex-Arsenal man Chuba Akpom open to French Ligue 1 switch after frustrating season at Ajax

Ajax Amsterdam forward Chuba Akpom is reportedly open to a move to France's Ligue 1, as he seeks more regular first-team football, Soccernet.ng reports.

Despite a career that has seen him play in multiple countries and leagues, Akpom's current situation in the Netherlands has left him contemplating his future.

Akpom's career began with promise at Arsenal, where he was part of the club's youth system before making his senior debut in 2013.

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However, despite several loan spells across various English clubs—including Brentford, Coventry City, Nottingham Forest, Hull City, and Brighton—he struggled to break into Arsenal's first team. This lack of opportunities led Akpom to seek greener pastures abroad.

In 2018, he made a move to Greece, signing for PAOK Thessaloniki, where his career truly flourished.

Akpom quickly became a key figure for the club, contributing significantly to their success, including scoring the match-winning goal in the 2019 Greek Cup Final.

His performances at PAOK earned him a return to England with Middlesbrough, where he became the EFL Championship's top scorer in the 2022–2023 season with 28 goals in 40 league appearances. His form also saw him win the club's Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year awards.

In August 2023, Akpom joined Ajax on a five-year deal, with a transfer fee of €12.3 million, potentially rising to €14.3 million with add-ons.

His debut came in a 0-0 draw against Fortuna Sittard, and he scored his first goal for the club in a 2-0 victory over Volendam in November 2023.

However, despite the promise of playing in one of Europe's top leagues, Akpom has found himself struggling for consistent game time at Ajax, leading to speculation that he may be ready for a new challenge.

French club Lille, who showed interest in signing Akpom during the summer of 2023, may provide the opportunity he is seeking.

According to reports from Foot Mercato via Les Transferts, Akpom is open to a move to Ligue 1, a league that, while not as prestigious as England's Premier League or Spain's La Liga, has become an attractive destination for players looking to revitalize their careers.

Having never played in France, Akpom could view Ligue 1 as an exciting next step, where he could once again find his goal-scoring form and secure regular playing time.

With his experience in European football and a growing desire for more opportunities, Akpom's potential move to France could be the next chapter in his unpredictable and varied career.