Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Samu Chukwueze in the summer, with Villarreal set to point towards his €80 million exit clause.
According to a report by Spanish outlet La Razon, Samu Chukwueze has emerged on the radar of La Liga champions Real Madrid. The Spanish heavyweights are now plotting a double raid on Villarreal for Chukwueze and Pau Torres, with the former having a release clause worth €80 million.
Chukwueze joined Villarreal in 2017 and took little time in breaking into the first-team setup at the La Liga club. After being handed his debut early in the 2018/19 season, the youngster has not looked back, becoming a mainstay in attack for the Spanish outfit.
Till date, Chukwueze has amassed 90 appearances for Villarreal and although his return of 13 goals and 12 assists might not be prolific, he is still held in high regard in Spain and beyond. That is reflected in the interest that the 21-year-old is generating, with Real Madrid leading a long list of suitors in his pursuit.
Real Madrid have not really been in the need of a winger, considering they have their long-term future sorted in Rodrygo Goes, Vinicius Jr. and Marco Asensio, in addition to having a current solution in Eden Hazard. However, the youngsters have understandably been inconsistent while Hazard has been hampered by fitness issues.
With Lucas Vazquez in the final year of his contract with Real Madrid, a space in the attacking department could open up, which explains why Los Blancos might be in the market for a winger. Chukwueze is, therefore, a viable target for the Merengues.
However, the 21-year-old’s €80 million release clause might pose some problem at a time when the redevelopment cost of the Santiago Bernabeu has had an effect on Real Madrid’s transfer business. Nevertheless, it looks like Real Madrid are set to make a move for Chukwueze next summer in a double raid on Villarreal including priority defensive target Pau Torres.
Torres is reportedly viewed as a potential long-term successor for Ramos and it has even been mooted that Dani Ceballos could be included in the deal to sign the Spanish international. The report claims that Real Madrid could create an entire package to complete the transfers next summer, instead of triggering the €80 million clause.
The Merengues are on good terms with Villarreal, who currently have Takefusa Kubo on loan from the reigning La Liga champions. It will, therefore, be interesting to see if Real Madrid can get the price reduced for Chukwueze, although they could face competition from a number of Premier League clubs in his pursuit as well. A transfer battle could well be on the cards.