Aston Villa are keen to reunite Samuel Chukwueze with Unai Emery at Villa Park this January
According to Football Insider, Premier League side Aston Villa are working on a deal that could see Samuel Chukwueze make the move to the Midlands.
The 23-year-old spent his formative years in Nigeria, before making the move to Europe with Villarreal in 2017. He has since risen through the ranks at the Estadio de La Ceramica and is today a key member of the Yellow Submarines’ starting XI.
Chukwueze has made 182 appearances for the La Liga side, scoring 31 goals and assisting 26 more. A right-winger, he is versatile enough to play anywhere along the frontline. This will hold him in good stead should he move to the Premier League.
Unai Emery will be well aware of the Nigerian international’s ability, given that he managed him during the stint at Villarreal. Chukwueze played a key role in the club’s Europa League win in 2021, and their fairytale run to the semifinal of the UEFA Champions League in 2021/22.
The 23-year-old provided a reminder of his abilities with a stunning performance against Real Madrid at the weekend. Despite not scoring or assisting on the night, the winger created three big chances and was among Villarreal’s top performers in a shock 2-1 win. The outing will have, if anything, endeared him more to those watching at Villa Park.
Emery is keen to reinforce his squad this January and has earmarked a new left-back and a forward. Despite the promising start to life at Villa Park, the FA Cup defeat to Stevenage showed there is still work to be done.
Villa have found the back of the net just 20 times in the Premier League this season. To put it into context, only seven sides have scored fewer of which six are at the bottom of the table. Top scorer Danny Ings has not featured post the World Cup, and his future at the club is far from assured.
Should the striker depart, the Villans will be left with another void up front. Chukwueze isn’t just a dynamic addition but also a player who can be a long-term solution upfront. An excellent dribbler who can shoot and create, the 23-year-old could prove to be an inspired acquisition for the Villains.
