The Arsenal loanee had been tipped for a reunion with Steve Bruce at Aston Villa despite struggling for goals at Hull City last season.
The news that Aston Villa have missed out on one of their main transfer targets to a Championship rivals would usually cause some degree of concern.
However, you won’t find too many Villa supporters laying claim to furious, expletive ridden Tweets after Brighton and Hove Albion won the race for Arsenal youngster Chuba Akpom, according to the Daily Mirror.
The 21-year-old arrives at The Amex to increase the firepower at manager Chris Hughton’s disposal as they aim to earn a first ever season in the Premier League. As it stands, The Seagulls are two points clear of Newcastle United though, rather significantly, have scored 11 goals fewer.
However, the Birmingham Mail report that Aston Villa had also held an interest in a striker who Steve Bruce knew well from their time together at Hull City last season.
Yet, if Villa are harbouring any hopes of clawing back the now nine point gap between themselves and Sheffield Wednesday in the final play-off spot, Akpom is not the answer.
Aston Villa fans divided over links with a striker Steve Bruce knows well
His playing style is more naturally physical than prolific but, in 36 appearances with Hull last season, the youngster did little to suggest that he can make an impact even in the second tier.
Three goals and one assist in a promotion winning side is a distinctly poor tally and, with Gabby Agbonlahor going a year without finding the net, the now-departed Rudy Gestede failing to fire and Ross McCormack enduring his fair share of problems on and off the pitch, Villa really could do without another underperforming striker.
Villa player taking inspiration from close friend and Premier League star
They need a proven second tier goalscorer to take the burden off top scorer Jonathan Kodjia. If only Jordan Rhodes was available…
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
