Former Arsenal striker lined up for Premier League return with several clubs interested

Middlesbrough star Chuba Akpom is reportedly being targeted for a return to the Premier League in January - almost five years on from leaving Arsenal.

Akpom came through the Gunners' youth academy, and made a total of 12 appearances - four in the league - for the club before moving on.

During that spell, he had loan spells at Brentford, Coventry, Nottingham Forest and Hull, before spending the second half of the 2017/18 season at Belgian top division side Sint-Truiden.

He joined Greek side PAOK permanently in 2018, before signing for Middlesbrough two years later.

It hasn't all been plain sailing for Akpom at the Championship side - he spent last season back on loan at PAOK - but he was given another opportunity at Boro in pre-season under Chris Wilder.

However, Akpom has been showcasing his best form under Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick, and he now has 13 goals in 19 Championship appearances this term.

The league's top scorer, nine of those goals have come in 10 games since the former Manchester United midfielder took charge in October.

However, Carrick's side may face a battle to hold on to their star striker in January, with Premier League and Bundesliga clubs said to be circling.

Premier League clubs keen on Akpom

Sky Sports have reported that Everton and Crystal Palace are both tracking Akpom ahead of a potential January move.

Frank Lampard's Toffees have scored just 14 goals - only three teams have scored fewer - in the league this season, and have been unable to replace the attacking output of Richarlison, who joined Tottenham in the summer.

Their main striker, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, has been restricted to one goal in eight games this term, and has dealt with injury issues.

Palace, meanwhile, have been linked with a host of strikers recently, including USA forward Haji Wright and Blackburn star Ben Brereton Diaz.

It is also claimed that two unnamed Bundesliga clubs are keen on signing Akpom, meaning the 27-year-old may have a big decision to make if Boro accept any incoming bids for the striker.