'Very big yes' - Pierre van Hooijdonk backs Arsenal product Akpom to be a hit at Ajax

Former Glasgow Celtic, Nottingham Forest and Feyenoord marksman, Pierre van Hooijdonk reckons that Arsenal youth product Chuba Akpom will prove to be a big hit at Dutch club Ajax Amsterdam. 

The Eredivisie giants are on the verge of confirming the signing of the Super Eagles hopeful, with the player scheduled to travel to the Netherlands as from Monday, August 14 for a routine medical ahead of his unveiling.

Ajax Amsterdam have reached an agreement with Middlesbrough to sign Akpom for a fee of 12 million euros plus another two million euros in performance-related add-ons.

The Hale End Academy product had a glittering season in 2022-2023, scoring 28 goals in 38 appearances in the regular season to help Middlesbrough qualify for the Championship playoffs, where they were beaten by Coventry City. 

Ajax Amsterdam director of football, Sven Mislintat knows all about the qualities of Akpom as he was previously Head of Scouting at Arsenal, for whom the Nigerian made twelve first team appearances in total. 

When asked if he sees Akpom as an excellent reinforcement for Ajax, Pierre van Hooijdonk told Studio Voetbal, via Footballtransfers: "Yes. Very big yes. He is big, athletic, fast, two-legged, has a fantastic header, but especially really looks for space behind the defense.

"He is not someone who hangs with his back to the opponent like Brobbey, but he really looks for the through balls. I've watched his goals, the quality splashes off."

Akpom missed the first three games played by Middlesbrough in the new season due to fitness issues as a result of an injury he suffered in the Championship playoff match with Coventry City.

Igho Kingsley 

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