Chukwuemeka Ademola Amachi - known as Chuks - Aneke is a 25 year old six foot three striker signed on a free transfer last week after his contract with Milton Keynes expired.
He began his career as a seven year old in Arsenal's Academy in 2001 and worked his way up through the age groups. He can claim one first team appearance for The Gunners - albeit only as a 90th minute substitute in a League Cup tie against Shrewsbury in 2011. While at Arsenal he modelled himself on Abou Diaby. He represented England at under 16, 17, 18 and 19 levels.
After short loan spells as a teenager at Stevenage and Preston he spent 2012 -14 on loan at Crewe where he scored 20 goals in 70 appearances at League One level. He was then released by Arsenal and turned down a permanent move to Crewe - deciding instead on a three year contract with Belgian outfit Zulte Waregem where he had the opportunity of Europa League football and where he thought the style of play would suit him better.
His Belgian career was ravaged by injury and he only managed 41 appearances (4 goals) in two seasons. He was still injured when Karl Robinson signed him for Milton Keynes in August 2016 and he wasn't able to make his debut until November. While he was Charlton manager, Robinson claimed that Aneke was one of the best players in League One.
He couldn't stop Milton Keynes being relegated in 2018 but his 19 goals in League Two last season played a big part in their immediate return to League One. All in all he scored 33 in 94 appearances for the club.
Lee Bowyer is enthusiastic about his new striker:
"He’s versatile. He can play in the 10-role just behind the strikers, he’s a big physical boy but don’t be fooled by that because he can play. His goals and assists that he’s been getting over the last few years is really good and his awareness – he knows when and where to pass – it is exceptional."
Along with Macauley Bonne and Tom Lockyer, Aneke has never previously played above League One level. They fit the bill of the sort of player Bowyer and Gallen are keen to recruit - hard working, open to coaching and with something to prove.