Everton are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Villarreal’s rapid winger Samu Chukwueze as Frank Lampard looks to strengthen his options.
Everton have been in contact with Villarreal regarding Nigerian wide man Samu Chukwueze as they look to secure a late window splash in the wake of Anthony Gordon’s possible exit. That is as per Spanish outlet AS, which claims the two clubs have had discussions about the potential availability of the 23-year-old, with the Toffees showing “strong interest” in their first contact.
The report adds that a deal could be fairly close, with advanced negotiations expected to continue on Wednesday. But there has been no firm offer from Everton as of yet. The Daily Mail has also come out to state that a loan deal with a purchase obligation is in the pipeline, as Frank Lampard seeks to bolster his striking options ahead of the transfer deadline.
The Toffees have yet to win a game this season, having played three draws and losing twice in their first five outings. Everton have, however, demonstrated the fighting spirit essential in a relegation scrap. Anthony Gordon scored another excellent goal against Leeds United to earn Everton a crucial point.
The Toffees’ academy graduate is getting better and better this season and already has two goals to his name, continuing his rapid rise from the last term. And it comes as no surprise that Chelsea are eyeing him up amid reports of a huge bid. Lampard, on the other hand, is not in the mood to discuss a sale at this late juncture in the window.
Despite the probability of Gordon staying, Everton are still trying to improve their attacking options, or perhaps, bracing themselves for a gigantic offer from Chelsea. Indeed, they have been linked with a move for Cody Gakpo and had a €30 million offer rejected for Mykhaylo Mudryk. Now, they are setting their sights on signing Samu Chukwueze from La Liga club Villarreal.
The 23-year-old joined Villarreal from the Diamond Football Academy in Nigeria at the age of just 16, before making his first-team debut a year later, in 2018, earning a senior international call-up the same year. Chukwueze has played 162 games for the Yellow Submarine, scoring 25 goals and providing 22 assists along the way.
He netted seven goals in 38 matches in all competitions last season, a slight improvement on the five goals in 40 games he scored the season prior to that when they won the UEFA Europa League.
Chukwueze has two years remaining on his contract at Estadio de la Ceramica and still has a huge release clause rumoured to be around €80 million. But it is thought that the Spanish outfit would be open to a sale for a lot less than that given their dire financial state, while the player has not really exploded as previously expected.
While goalscoring is not really his forte, Chukwueze is a box full of trickery and creates menace down the flanks. Lampard’s rebuilding mission includes infusing pace and energy into Everton’s one-paced attack, and Villarreal’s fleet-footed Nigerian wide man fits the bill. His age is also a big plus; he has a lot of potential. It remains to be seen how this rumour plays out on the deadline day.
