Ajax are making swift progress in their negotiations for Metz striker Georges Mikautadze ahead of a potential move, according to Voetbal International.
The report adds that the Georgian sensation is keen on a switch to the Johan Cruyff Arena despite courting interest from a host of European clubs, including Lazio, West Ham United and Eintracht Frankfurt.
The 22-year-old burst onto the scene during a brilliant 2022/23 campaign, netting 23 goals and eight assists to help Metz secure promotion to Ligue1.
He has carried his rich vein of form to the French top flight, having enjoyed a blistering start to the new season.
Mikautadze has accumulated two goals and an assist in three games, including the decisive strike in Metz’s latest win against Clermont Foot.
His stock has been on a steady rise, and the Dutch giants are looking to wrap up his signing before the transfer window closes this week.
The Georgian is valued at around €20 million, and the Amsterdam outfit can use the proceeds from the recent sale of Mohammed Kudus to West Ham United.
Ajax have recruited a handful of young talents this summer, including Josip Sutalo, Gaston Avila, Benjamin Tahirovic, Anton Gaaei and Diant Ramaj.
Mikautadze could be the next in line, and his signing would provide Ajax the impetus to challenge for the Eredivisie title.
Ajax have been lacking a prolific and consistent goal-scorer since the departure of Sebastien Haller, and Mikautadze may be the man the Eredivisie giants are looking for.
Atlanta United’s Thiago Almada, who was part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup winning squad, has also emerged as a potential attacking target for Ajax.
Maurice Steijn’s side have made an unconvincing start to the new season, registering a win and a draw in two games.
