Lille OSC set to sign former Arsenal star who dumped England for Nigeria

Soccernet.ng understands that Nigerian forward Chuba Akpom is on the verge of sealing a move to French side Lille OSC, according to reports from L'Équipe.

The Ajax forward is expected to complete the switch before the close of the transfer window, with the deal structured as a loan with an option to buy.

Chuba Akpom has passed his Lille medical. ❤️

(Source: @lequipe ) pic.twitter.com/9wWAf07BvJ

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) February 1, 2025

Akpom, who joined Ajax from Middlesbrough in the summer of 2023 for over €12 million, has struggled to establish himself as a first-choice forward in Amsterdam.

Despite showing glimpses of his quality—registering seven goals and one assist in 30 appearances, often from the bench —.he remains behind Brian Brobbey in the pecking order.

The 28-year-old was named among the substitutes for Ajax’s Europa League clash against Galatasaray on Thursday night but made a first-half appearance, providing a crucial assist in their 2-1 victory. It is likely to be his final outing for the Dutch giants before heading to Ligue 1.

Lille see Akpom as an ideal addition to their attack, particularly with Canadian striker Jonathan David expected to leave when his contract expires.

If the Nigerian forward impresses over the coming months, he could secure a permanent contract with the club until 2028. His arrival would also allow Lille to loan Mohamed Bayo to Belgian side Royal Antwerp.

Fiorentina and Sunderland were also reportedly interested in signing Akpom, but Lille appear to have won the race for his signature.

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Akpom’s Nigeria Super Eagles frustration continues

Despite switching allegiance to Nigeria in 2019, Akpom has yet to receive a senior call-up for the Super Eagles.

The Arsenal academy graduate previously represented England at youth level, featuring for the U16s, U17s, U19s, U20s, and U21s before committing to Nigeria.

His best individual campaign came during the 2022–23 season when he fired in 28 goals and provided two assists in 40 appearances for Middlesbrough. However, even that outstanding form was not enough to earn a Nigeria call-up.

Following his Europa League assist for Ajax on Thursday, Akpom expressed his disappointment at being overlooked by the national team.

“I don’t have a clue why I have not been invited to the Super Eagles, maybe because there are a lot of top strikers, of course,” Akpom told journalist Oma Akatugba via Soccernet.

“But I think that for the nation to progress, it needs to be on merit. The players that are performing well need to be selected.

“I try to give 100 percent, I’ve been waiting since 2019, I switched allegiances a long time ago. But if it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, I’ll just keep working hard.”

This season, Akpom has recorded eight goals and one assist in 32 appearances for Ajax.