French Ligue 1 club Lille are close to finalising a deal with Ajax for Nigerian striker Chuba Akpom.
According to reports from Foot Mercato and L’Équipe, Lille are hoping to agree on a loan deal with the option to buy Akpom.
The reports claimed bringing in a new striker has been a clear target for Lille in the January transfer window, with Mohamed Bayo has been linked with a loan move to Belgian outfit Royal Antwerp and Jonathan David in the final six months of his contract.
Akpom could provide additional support for David until the end of the season.
Lille are not the only team interested in Akpom as Foot Mercato reported one week ago that Championship side Sunderland had also entered the race.
The 29-year-old Arsenal academy product has scored eight goals in 32 games in all competitions for Ajax this season.
In the 2022/2023 season, Akpom emerged as the Championship’s top scorer with 28 goals in 40 league appearances.
He also won the Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards.
