Chelsea FC are believed to be eyeing a move for Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze, who plays for Spanish side Villarreal.
The Blues have turned their attention to Chukwueze due to the Premier League side’s long-term target Jadon Sancho reported to be favouring a move to Manchester United FC. The Blues are on the hunt for a new attacker with the club being linked to Porto’s Jesus Corona in recent weeks as well as Premier League star Wilfried Zaha.
Chukwueze has caught the attention of many top clubs recently due to his great showing in the Spanish league this season with Villarreal. The player has scored four goals and assisted the same number of times for his side in the current campaign.
The Nigerian is touted to be of the brightest prospects in the Spanish league and has already been capped 13 times by his national team. Chukwueze also played a key role in Nigeria winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2015. His blazing speed and dribbling skills make him a dangerous attacker on the flanks for opposition teams.
The player has a £68 million release clause in his current contract with Villarreal which makes him a comparatively cheaper option for the Blues than Wilfried Zaha, who is valued at £80 million by Premier League side Crystal Palace FC.
Reportedly, Villarreal had rejected a £35 million bid from Liverpool FC for Chukwueze earlier this year, with the Spanish side sticking to the release clause of the attacker as his price-tag. The players current deal with Villarreal is set to expire in 2023, and the La Liga side are not willing to budge on their asking price for the sought-after attacker.
Chelsea are looking to add more attacking depth to their squad ahead of next season with current wingers Pedro and Willian rumoured to be leaving the club. Frank Lampard is also keen on signing Timo Werner with the Blues coach wanting to add some serious firepower upfront for the Premier League side.
