Alan Nixon reports that Middlesbrough are concerned that they’re set to receive bids for star goalscorer and former Arsenal academy striker Chuba Akpom this summer, and they’ll look to hold out for £15m to sell.
Akpom is drawing interest from elsewhere following a strong season with Middlesbrough, particularly in light of their failure to achieve promotion.
Middlesbrough are still hoping to hold onto Akpom, but he only has 12 months left on his deal, and this could be their last chance to cash in.
Before this season, there was probably little desire from Middlesbrough’s end to extend Akpom’s contract. But he’s had a fantastic season, scoring 29 goals in 42 games for Michael Carrick’s side.
Middlesbrough finished fourth in the Championship table, sending them to the playoffs, where they lost their two-legged semi-final to Coventry City.
At 27, it looked like Akpom was finally gearing up for his first full season of Premier League football, having only previously made a few cameo appearances for Arsenal. Those dreams are currently on hold.
Given Akpom’s incredible form, it’s very possible a Premier League club might come in for the forward this summer.
Akpom was named the EFL’s Championship Player of the Season for the 2022/23 campaign, and he also won multiple Player of the Month awards along the way.
“I am super grateful,” Akpom said of the Player of the Season award. “It has been years of hard work to get to this stage, so I am over the moon. It’s been an amazing season but I’ve had a lot of downs, getting injured earlier in the season.
“The new manager came in at the perfect time and he probably brought out the best in me, put me in the number 10 and I’ve been enjoying it ever since.”
It would be a shame if we don’t get to see Akpom stepping up to the Premier League this year.
If he does remain with Middlesbrough for another season, continuing to perform well and running down his contract, perhaps he’ll end up making that step next summer instead.
