Everton are reportedly set to rival Aston Villa in the race to sign Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze ahead of the winter transfer window.
Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze has emerged as a potential transfer target for Frank Lampard’s relegation-threatened Everton. That is according to a report from Spanish outlet Super Deporte, which claims the Toffees have joined a long list of the 23-year-old’s suitors from the Premier League, including Aston Villa.
The 23-year-old has long been on the radar of Premier League clubs ever since bursting onto the scene with Villarreal in 2018/19. But while the links remain ever-present in the rumour mill, nothing has materialised. One reason could be that the Nigeria international has blown hot and cold in recent seasons, shining more on the European front than in domestic circuits.
To date, he has racked up 178 appearances in all competitions for the Yellow Submarine, contributing 29 goals and 26 assists in the process. He has seen significantly less league action in 2022/23, making only five starts in La Liga and an additional eight appearances off the bench as an impact substitute.
In contrast, he has been super effective in the Europa Conference League and Copa Del Rey, directly contributing to eight goals (four goals, four assists) from six appearances combined in both cup competitions.
He is currently at a crossroads in his Villarreal career and must make decisions about his future, with just over 18 months remaining on his contract. The Spanish outfit, for their part, are ready to listen to offers for the maverick attacker, with the club aware that this might be their final chance to command a significant fee for their attacker.
Chukwueze certainly has no shortage of suitors in the Premier League, with Liverpool, Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Everton all monitoring his situation.
Aston Villa, for one, have intensified their interest in the player since the club’s recent appointment of Unai Emery as manager. During Emery’s time with the Yellow Submarine, Chukwueze was a mainstay, and both enjoyed a healthy working relationship, notably winning the Europa League in the 2020/21 season. The ex-Arsenal manager remains a big fan of attacking quality and creativity and would like a reunion with his former player at Villa Park.
Chukwueze would be a perfect addition to the Aston Villa attack. The Nigerian could be a useful replacement for the out-of-form Philippe Coutinho. He might also be an upgrade on inconsistent performers like Leon Bailey or Ollie Watkins at Villa Park.
As for Everton, it is no secret that Frank Lampard wanted to add a bit more creativity and explosiveness to his ranks last summer, particularly after losing talisman Richarlison to Tottenham. They are currently battling for relegation. So someone with Chukwueze’s evident qualities and the ability to pull a rabbit out of the hat with a breathtaking dribble to produce a magical moment could be the difference between going down or staying up for the Toffees.
It is believed that Juventus have the obligation to make Moise Kean’s loan deal a permanent one next summer, with a reported £24 million cash injection on the cards. So, that would help them balance their books if they do bring Chukwueze for a sizable fee in January as an emergency signing. It will be interesting to see Chukwueze choose his next club if he is to move to English shores.
