Ajax loan English forward Chuba Akpom to Lille

"The versatile English striker signed up today as part of a loan (with option to buy) until the end of the 24-25 season," the northern French outfit said.

Akpom, 29, comes in as backup for Canadian striker Jonathan David, who has scored 20 goals and set up another eight in all competitions this season.

Described as a "technical, hard-working, powerful and an impactful striker (1m83)" by the club, the Londoner started his career at Arsenal without making his mark on the Gunners, who loaned him to several English clubs including Hull City and Brighton.

He also played for PAOK Salonika and Middlesbrough.

His arrival comes as Lille -- fourth in Ligue 1 -- have been hit by injuries including midfielder Edon Zhegrova and forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo, although coach Bruno Genesio had been targeting more of a winger profile.

"The worst thing is to buy for the sake of buying," Genesio had said. "It really has to be a player who fits into the principles of the game, and who is in the spirit of this group."