CHUBA AKPOM is set to quit Middlesbrough for Ajax in a £12million deal, according to reports.
The former Arsenal starlet produced a stunning season in the Championship last term.
Akpom, 27, scored 28 goals in 38 appearances for Michael Carrick's men during the 2022-23 season.
His form earned him admirers from around Europe.
French side Lens, who are set to play in the Champions League this season after coming second in Ligue 1, were eager to sign Akpom.
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But he has instead opted to join Ajax.
According to The Athletic, the Eredivisie giants have agreed to pay an initial £10.4m - plus around £1.6m in add-ons.
Akpom is expected to undergo a medical today before signing a five-year contract.
The striker graduated from Arsenal's academy and made 12 appearances for their first team before joining Greek side PAOK in 2020.
During his Gunners stint he had loan spells at Brentford, Coventry, Nottingham Forest, Hull, Brighton and Sint-Truiden.
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Following two years in Greece he signed for Middlesbrough in 2020.
Akpom has one year remaining on his Boro contract.
Asked earlier this month if he wanted to stay on Teeside, he said: "Yeah, of course. I’ve made it clear that I feel at home here, so I think me saying that shows that I would love to stay here. I’ve played my best football here and I just feel very loved by the fans.
“We’ll just have to see how things go. A lot of things are not in my control or not in my hands, so I just have to focus on getting fit and being ready to play football again.”
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Akpom was an unused substitute for Middlesbrough's opening day 1-0 defeat to Millwall.
He has not featured in a matchday squad since.
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