Former Arsenal star who dumped England for Nigeria linked with Bundesliga switch

Werder Bremen are interested in signing Ajax Amsterdam’s Nigerian forward Chuba Akpom, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Bundesliga side, currently sitting 12th in the table, have rekindled their interest in Akpom after previously tracking him during his time at Middlesbrough, according to German outlet Sport.de via Ajax Fanatics.

Ajax signed the 29-year-old for €12 million in the summer of 2023, but Werder Bremen are reluctant to match such a fee for a permanent transfer. Instead, the German club is exploring a potential loan deal for the third-choice Ajax striker.

Despite having five attackers — Marvin Ducksch, Justin Njinmah, Marco Grüll, Keke Topp, and Oliver Burke — Werder Bremen face a pressing need for reinforcements up front.

Topp, Bremen’s only natural central striker, is sidelined until February due to injury, leaving the club eager to secure a reliable option in the short term.

Akpom has struggled for game time at Ajax, starting only six Eredivisie matches and making one appearance in the UEFA Europa League this season.

Although the former Arsenal was linked with a move away from the Dutch giants last summer, no deal materialised.

Akpom, who played for England at different youth levels before deciding to represent Nigeria at international level, as has 21 goals and four assists in 58 games for Ajax in all competitions.

Under contract with Ajax until 2028, Akpom’s limited minutes could prompt him to consider a move. However, it remains uncertain whether he would favour a switch to Bremen.

A potential Bundesliga stint might provide the former Middlesbrough star an opportunity to reignite his form and gain consistent playing time.