The Mail claim Everton are battling Crystal Palace and Southampton in the race to sign Middlesbrough striker Chuba Akpom as he continues his wonderful form under Michael Carrick in the Championship – with 13 goals in 20 games.
Akpom, 27, has finally turned potential into proven quality. A spell in Greece with PAOK promised much, before joining Boro in the summer of 2020. But he initially struggled, scoring just five goals in his first 40 appearances on Teesside.
He returned to PAOK for the 2021-22 season, scoring 11 times. But it is this season where his form has really kicked on. In 20 appearances for Boro, Akpom now has 13 goals – scoring nine goals in his last 10 Championship appearances.
Such form has attracted the interest of Premier League clubs. Everton, Southampton and Palace are all interested. Akpom is currently out of contract at Middlesbrough in the summer – but Boro do have the option of an extra season.
Everton battling Palace to sign Middlesbrough striker Akpom
If anyone knows about Akpom, it is Everton ace Alex Iwobi. The duo were close during their Arsenal days, playing regularly together in Arsenal’s reserves. They were in the same batch of players to break in under Arsene Wenger.
Speaking in an interview in 2020 on Instagram, Iwobi was asked to pick the top-five footballers he has played with. As per Brila, he picked Akpom: “I played with him from young, so there is chemistry whenever we play, with Chuba.”
Iwobi is a regular in the Everton side at the moment and if Frank Lampard is keen on Akpom, he should consult Iwobi. Not only that, but maybe use Iwobi and his connection with Akpom to help get a deal over the line ahead of his rivals.
Boro will be desperate to keep Akpom at the Riverside, though. For the first time in his career, he is scoring more than a goal every two games. A crucial element in Boro’s push for the top six, with Carrick at the helm.
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