Ajax coach Francesco Farioli has stated that he does not want Nigerian striker Chuba Akpom to leave the club this month, Soccernet.ng reports.
Akpom has emerged as a transfer target for clubs in the French Ligue 1 following talks that he is unhappy at Ajax. The 29-year-old forward has had a topsy-turvy experience since he arrived at Amsterdam in 2023, but he seems to be getting some stability under the tutelage of Farioli this season.
This season, Akpom has contributed seven goals and one assist in 37 appearances across all competitions for Godenzonen. However, the speculations linking him with an exit have continued to grow stronger.
In fact, according to a recent Soccernet.ng report, seven French Ligue 1 clubs are interested in signing the former Arsenal man.
However, he may have to stay at Ajax for a while. This is as coach Farioli has stated that he wants Akpom to remain at the club, despite the various links.
“I am very grateful to the players I have. Look at Chuba (Akpom), he did not always play in his own position, but his contribution to the team is great. I would rather not have him leave. I am very happy with Akpom,” Farioli said per Ajaxshowtime.
Ajax seem to be finding their feet after struggling for the past three seasons. They are six points behind Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven and have a good shot at winning the Eredivisie.
With the prospect of winning silverware, he would surely be tempted to remain in Amsterdam.
