Chuba Akpom set to join Ajax from Middlesbrough for €14m

Ajax are poised to sign striker Chuba Akpom from Middlesbrough, according to The Athletic.

The player is keen on the move and has now received permission to travel for his medical after the two clubs reached an agreement.

The 27-year-old will join the Eredivisie club for a fee of €12 million, with an additional €2m in the pipeline through performance-based add-ons.

Akpom is slated to undertake a medical examination on Monday, after which he is expected to sign a five-year contract with the Dutch club.

His brilliance shone brightly throughout last season, playing a talismanic role on his way to bagging 29 goals in 42 matches across all competitions. 

Middlesbrough had activated a one-year extension on his contract as he had a year remaining on his deal, but the centre-forward will leave to test himself on a larger stage.

Akpom had previously voiced his desire to remain with Middlesbrough, even though he acknowledged that certain variables were beyond his influence. 

His career began at Arsenal, graduating from their Hale End academy before he embarked on a series of loans within the Football League before finally establishing himself at Greek club PAOK.

He returned to English football and played a vital role as Boro finished in the promotion play-off spot last season.

As Ajax bid to rebound from a disappointing finish in the previous Eredivisie season, the acquisition of Akpom will help strengthen their forward line.

Following the departure of Dusan Tadic, Ajax needed a new striker to give Brian Brobbey competition up top and allow Mohammed Kudus to play in or on the wing.

After facing criticism for their sluggishness in the transfer market, Ajax have signed Carlos Borges, Diant Ramaj, Benjamin Tahirovic, Jakov Medic and Branco van den Boomen.

Josip Sutalo will also join from Dinamo Zagreb.