Arsenal might compete with Aston Villa in the race to secure the services of 25-year-old AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze next year.
According to a report by Italian outlet Milan Live, Samuel Chukwueze might leave AC Milan in the January transfer window as he continues to go in and out of the starting lineup at the Serie A club. Arsenal and Aston Villa are the prospective suitors for the 25-year-old winger, who cost the Rossoneri €20 million 18 months ago.
Samuel Chukwueze and his AC Milan disappointment
Samuel Chukwueze has blown hot and cold since joining AC Milan from Villarreal in a deal worth €20 million in July 2023. A native of Umuahia, the African winger spent his formative years in Nigeria and graduated from the Diamond Academy several years ago. However, he rose in prominence during his spell with Villarreal.
However, the 25-year-old has not enjoyed a fruitful spell with AC Milan thus far, as he has gone in and out of the starting lineup at San Siro in the last 18 months. Chukwueze has yet to rack up 1,000 minutes of game time this term in 21 appearances across all competitions, chipping in with three goals and one assist.
However, the AC Milan winger’s stock in the market remains high, with several well-known clubs across Europe interested in him. Premier League bigwigs, in particular, are keen on signing the Nigerian international, with Arsenal and Aston Villa among his prospective suitors.
Premier League move on the horizon?
Arsenal’s interest in Samuel Chukwueze is understandable. The Gunners are in a spot of bother heading into the January transfer window after losing Bukayo Saka to a long-term hamstring injury. So, the AC Milan winger is a viable target, and he can be a long-term asset for Arsenal due to his versatility.
As for Aston Villa, Chukwueze can be a solid addition to the offensive unit heading into the second half of the 2024/25 season. While Morgan Rogers and Leon Bailey are top-notch forwards, Unai Emery must rotate as the games start piling up. So, Chukwueze is an option worth considering for Aston Villa.
It will not be surprising to see AC Milan looking to recoup most of the €20 million they paid to sign Chukwueze if they cash in on him in the January transfer window. It will be interesting to see if Arsenal or Aston Villa land him next month.
