Former Arsenal wonderkid Chuba Akpom completes shock £10.5m transfer from Middlesbrough to European giants

CHUBA AKPOM has completed a £10.5million transfer from Middlesbrough to Ajax.

The former Arsenal striker has quit the Championship side to move to the Dutch giants.

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Akpom, 27, bagged 28 goals in 38 appearances last term as Boro suffered play-off disappointment.

Earlier this summer he attracted strong interest from Ligue 1 side RC Lens, who will be in the Champions League this season.

While Sheffield United were also keen.

But Akpom has now completed a move to Ajax for an initial £10.5m.

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The fee could rise to around £12.2m with add-ons.

After his Riverside exit was confirmed, Akpom penned an emotional farewell message on Boro's website.

It read: "I'd like to thank everyone connected with Boro and especially a big thanks to the fans for the support and love they have given me.

"Last season was full of memories I'll never forget and I will be forever proud. Everyone knows what I think of Michael Carrick, and I'm sure success is just around the corner.

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"For me now, I have an exciting new challenge with one of the biggest clubs in the world, and I can't wait to get started with Ajax.

"I’ll still be following the Boro from afar and wish everyone connected with the club all the very best for the future."

In an interview with his new club, he said: "Hopefully, I can add something to the history.

"I can't wait to show what I can do."

Ajax will play in the Europa League this season, after missing out on Champions League qualification.

The Dutch giants began their season with a 4-1 win over Heracles last week.

Akpom 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.

Following two years in Greece he signed for Middlesbrough in 2020.

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