Former Gunner finally completes return to England | OneFootball

Former Gunner Chuba Akpom’s summer transfer saga is finally at an end, with the striker joining Ipswich Town on loan with a purchase clause included.

Photo via ITFC.co.uk

Ipswich Town have confirmed the signing of former Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom, with the 29-year-old joining the club on an initial loan deal.

Though Ipswich don’t mention any more than that loan, Ajax confirm that the English club have an option to buy. Sky Sports News report that the terms of the purchase clause are that Ipswich will be obligated to buy for £7m if they’re promoted to the Premier League by the end of this season.

“I was really excited when I heard of the interest and I’m delighted to have joined a club with such big ambitions,” Akpom said.

“I watch a lot of football and have always thought Ipswich would suit my style, so this move makes perfect sense.”

Photo by BART STOUTJESDIJK/ANP/AFP via Getty Images

Though he’s ended up at Ipswich, Akpom could have signed for any one of three Championship clubs this summer.

Birmingham City initially opened talks over a loan deal, agreeing the same £7m obligation to buy that Ipswich ended up getting. Then Middlesbrough entered the mix, hoping to re-sign their former player for another year. Overseas, Olympiacos were also interested.

Middlesbrough failed to agree a deal, so Akpom began to travel to Birmingham. But at the last minute, Ipswich made their move and Akpom decided to join them instead.

Birmingham City were keen to avoid their deal being hijacked, so they made a new offer of a permanent transfer for £6m. Ajax were on board, but Akpom had already completed his Ipswich medical and made it clear he was no longer interested in the Birmingham move.

Photo via Lille on Instagram

In the middle of that transfer saga, Birmingham City actually played against Ipswich Town on the pitch, a 1-1 draw in the Championship season opener.

Akpom’s deal wasn’t done in time for that game, so his first opportunity for a debut will be in the League Cup away to Bromley on Tuesday, August 12th at 20:00 BST. Ipswich then face Southampton on Sunday in his first possible game back in the Championship.