Ivorian Midfielder Akpa Akpro Eyeing Serie A Move

Salernitana and Ivory Coast midfielder Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro is keen to further his career at Italian Serie A.

The 27-year-old joined the Garnets from French Ligue 1 side Toulouse in 2017 and has been a prominent figure in the team, having made over 51 appearances since then.

The player’s agent in Rome, Umberto Riva, confirmed to Italian daily newspaper Il Mattino that Akpro would like to play in Serie A than the lower league that Salernitana is currently featuring.

“It had already been established with [Salernitana Sporting Director Angelo] Fabiani that we should have met in this period,” Riva said.

“It didn’t happen only because of the health emergency [coronavirus pandemic]. [Akpa Akpro is] a player who has breathed the air of the Ivory Coast national team and who has won the [2015] Africa Cup of Nations.”

“He aspires to play in Serie A, he deserved it and it is a category that he can reach with Salernitana, as there is still a margin.”

Salernitana is co-owned by Serie A log leaders Lazio president Claudio Lotito and Riva indicated that the club may consider extending Akpro’s contract.

“The history of recent years shows that Claudio Lotito has never let good players escape,” Riva continued.

The energetic central midfielder, who can also play wide, was previously courted by Nottingham Forest but the move fell through.

“I can specify that at the moment, there is no negotiation, but we can’t rule out any interest and the possibility of a contract extension [should Salernitana gain Serie A promotion],” Riva concluded.

Akpa Akpro began his career at Toulouse and has had spells at Grimsby, Rochdale, Tranmere Rovers, Bury and Barnet.

The Salernitana star has a brother, Jean-Louis, who has played most of his career in England and is currently with Northern Premier League side Radcliffe.