AIK Stockholm have entered advanced negotiations with Finnish club FC Inter Turku for the transfer of Ivorian attacking midfielder Axel Kouamé, according to Swedish media reports.
The 21-year-old, who has been attracting attention from clubs including France’s Saint-Étienne and Finland’s HJK Helsinki, has now emerged as a priority target for AIK as they seek to bolster their attack before the Swedish transfer window closes on 29 August.
Swedish newspaper Expressen has reported that AIK have tabled an official offer to Inter Turku and are pressing ahead in talks aimed at reaching a swift agreement. Club officials are said to be confident of finalising the deal, with negotiations described as constructive and moving in a positive direction.
Kouamé, who joined Inter Turku in 2023 from Sporting Football des Cascades in Burkina Faso, has enjoyed a breakthrough season in Finland.
He has scored seven goals and provided 14 assists across 30 matches in all competitions, establishing himself as one of the league’s standout performers. His creativity, vision, and goal contributions have made him an indispensable figure for the Turku side, and his potential departure would represent a significant loss.
Sources close to the player have indicated that Kouamé is open to the move. Reports suggest he is prepared to commit to AIK should an agreement be struck between the two clubs. “Axel is not against the idea of joining AIK,” a source familiar with the discussions told 225foot. “If the two clubs can reach common ground, he is willing to sign.”
That stance has been interpreted as a clear green light for AIK to intensify efforts, with the Swedish side eager to secure an attacking reinforcement to support their push in the latter stages of the season.
For AIK, the addition of Kouamé would represent more than just depth in midfield. His proven ability to create scoring opportunities and unlock defences could be pivotal in turning around their current campaign.
The club has been seeking greater consistency in the final third, and Kouamé’s profile fits the type of dynamic playmaker they have been missing.
Meanwhile, Inter Turku are preparing for their upcoming Finnish league fixture against Vaasan Palloseura in the 22nd round of the championship.
While the club has yet to make a public statement on the potential transfer, speculation continues to grow that Kouamé’s appearance against VPS could be among his last for the Finnish side.
The timing of the negotiations has heightened intrigue, as both AIK and Inter Turku remain under pressure in their respective campaigns.
For Inter, losing a key playmaker at such a crucial stage could have an immediate impact, but the prospect of a transfer fee and the player’s willingness to leave may weigh heavily in decision-making.
With the Swedish window set to shut in less than a week, the coming days are expected to be decisive. AIK’s determination, coupled with Kouamé’s openness to the move, suggests a deal could be finalised soon. Should it go through, the Ivorian would become one of the most notable late-summer signings in Sweden, bringing both promise and expectation to the Stockholm club.
