VfB Stuttgart are reportedly in advanced negotiations to sign Ajax striker Chuba Akpom as the German club have rekindled their interest in the Nigerian-born forward.

Akpom, who joined Ajax in August 2023, arrived with high expectations following his pivotal role in Middlesbrough’s Championship play-off run during the 2022/2023 season.

However, some Ajax fans have questioned whether he really deserves to wear the club’s iconic red and white colours.

In 31 appearances for Ajax in all competitions, Akpom recorded 15 goals and three assists.

Late last month, Ajax deemed Akpom unfit for the contract and included him among seven players ready to leave the club.

Stuttgart has long admired the AArsenal product who is also a hope for the Super Eagles, and they were heavily linked with a move for him in January.

However, the deal fell through as Ajax decided to retain the striker for the second half of the season.

According to Bild via Voetbal Primeur, Stuttgart are targeting Akpom as a replacement for Serhou Guirassy.

Is Ajax ready to sell?

Ajax are now willing to sell Akpom, partly due to the need to generate funds for new signings.

The Dutch giants have been monitoring Wout Weghorst but can only secure the striker’s services if either Akpom or Brian Brobbey leave.

Furthermore, Ajax’s wage budget needs to be cut, and getting rid of a high-earning player like Akpom would help significantly in that regard.

Stuttgart already signed Deniz Undav from Brighton and Hove Albion earlier this summer but are still on the hunt for a striker and now have Akpom firmly in their sights.

Stuttgart’s surprise second-place finish in the Bundesliga last season has earned them a place in the UEFA Champions League, offering Akpom the enticing prospect of regular playing time and the chance to compete in Europe’s premier club competition.

Stuttgart in advanced talks to sign Chuba Akpom from Ajax appeared first on Latest Nigeria Sports News.