Samuel Chukwueze is edging closer to AC Milan in Serie A to increase the quota of Super Eagles plying their trade in Italy and challenge Victor Osimhen for the league’s best attacker.
The forward has been on the books of Villarreal in La Liga since 2018. After rising to prominence in the Yellow Submarine squad in the past two seasons, he started attracting further interest from other European clubs.
AC Milan had declared their interest in signing him previously but were rebuffed. Their return has been met with ease as Chukwueze is now set to become a Milan player.
After closing in on Noah Okafor deal, AC Milan are working to complete also the agreement for Samuel Chukwueze 🇳🇬
Negotiations advancing with Villarreal as player already agreed personal terms — he’s keen on the move. 🔴⚫️ pic.twitter.com/29dmrBKFyg
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 21, 2023
AC Milan complete Noah Okafor move; begin process for Chukwueze transfer
Transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano reports that AC Milan have returned to Villarreal to continue their negotiations for the transfer of Samuel Chukwueze after completing a deal for Swiss-Nigerian forward Noah Okafor.
The Rossoneri missed out on an eighth UEFA Champions League title last season after city rivals Internazionale Milan beat them in the semifinals to set up a meeting with eventual winners Manchester City.
They rose as high as second in last season’s Scudetto race but ended up finishing the league in fourth place, just enough to snag a spot to return to Europe’s elite competition.
Their efforts since the beginning of the 2023 summer transfer window have been targeted at consolidating their performances from last season. With Chukwueze, the Rossoneri believe they will have enough firepower to take on all of Europe and also challenge Victor Osimhen and Napoli for the league title in the upcoming season.
Romano also reports that Chukwueze is keen on the move to Italy which could be a hindrance for the likes of Aston Villa, whose manager Unai Emery is hoping to work with the Nigeria national football team forward again.
According to other sources, personal terms between Chukwueze and Milan have been agreed and pending the decision on the transfer fee, the 2015 U-17 FIFA World Cup winner will sign with Milan for five years.
The numbers behind Chukwueze’s potential move to AC Milan from Villarreal
Chukwueze has agreed to a €4 million per annum salary structure with the Rossoneri who are looking to pay €20 million or €25 million to the Yellow Submarine.
The La Liga side, meanwhile, are holding off for at least €30 million for the Super Eagles forward. He will sign for five years once both clubs have finalised the transfer fee.
Chukwueze’s move to AC Milan may also be jeopardised by Villarreal’s insistence on a €30 million fee as there is only one slot left for non-Europeans in the Milan squad.
The Rossoneri also have their eye on Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi and reports claim that discussions with FC Porto for the striker are also underway.
One of them will take the non-European spot left and this could prevent the potential Osimhen-Chukwueze face-off that many Nigeria national football team fans are excited about.
Samuel Chukwueze to AC Milan is a big deal.
He will face his friend Victor Osimhen at least twice next season..💪🏾🔥😎 pic.twitter.com/KuuQn19IUD
— Ibukun Aluko (@IbkSports) July 21, 2023
Chukwueze, meanwhile, is in pre-season with Villarreal. He was on the scoresheet as the Yellow Submarine were thrashed 6 – 1 by Swiss side FC St Gallen. They will be travelling to England to take part in the Sela Cup in the coming days.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
