Chuba Akpom: Ex-Arsenal star set for Premier League return as two-time FA Cup kings show interest

Chuba Akpom could be set for a sensational Premier League return, seven years after his departure from Arsenal, as newly-promoted Sunderland renew their interest in the Ajax forward.

The Black Cats, preparing for life back in England’s top tier, are on the lookout for a proven striker and Akpom, according to Sportscasting.

Akpom came close to joining Sunderland in January, before ending up at Lille but he has re-emerged as a key transfer target.

Ajax are open to offloading the 28-year-old this summer as they seek to reduce their wage bill. The Dutch club has already informed Akpom he is surplus to requirements and excluded him from first-team training.

Akpom was among seven players reportedly told via WhatsApp by technical director Alex Kroes to find a new club, despite still having three years left on his contract.

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Akpom spent the latter part of last season on loan at Lille, but his preference is a return to English football. He is said to be especially interested in a Premier League move, which makes Sunderland’s approach all the more timely. The former England youth international once came close to moving to Saudi Arabia but the deal didn't see the light of day.

Having joined Ajax from Middlesbrough for over £10 million in 2023, Akpom arrived in the Netherlands off the back of a blistering 2022/23 Championship campaign, where he netted 28 goals in 38 appearances and was named Player of the Season.

However, he found game time harder to come by in Amsterdam, scoring 11 goals and providing two assists across all competitions for Ajax and Lille.

The former England youth international, who pledged allegiance to Nigeria but is yet to receive a senior call-up, rose through the ranks at Arsenal, spending 16 years at the club. Despite that, he only managed four Premier League appearances for the Gunners before moving on in 2018.

Sunderland’s potential move represents a calculated risk. Akpom has yet to score a Premier League goal, and his top-flight credentials remain unproven. But his goal-scoring record in the Championship suggests there’s plenty of untapped potential.

If Sunderland can reignite that form, they could land one of the shrewdest attacking signings of the summer and possibly at a bargain fee.

Ajax paid just over 12 million euros to sign Akpom in 2023 but the former PAOK star is currently valued at €7 million as per Transfermarkt.