Chukwueze to leave Milan January
Samuel Chukwueze
Super Eagles star Samuel Chukwueze looks to leave AC Milan in January, with the winger said to be on the radar of Atletico Madrid and Premier League duo West Ham and Aston Villa, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Chukwueze joined Milan from Spanish club Villarreal during the 2023 summer transfer window for a deal worth €20m plus some substantial bonuses, which made him the most expensive signing of a window that saw 10 players join the San Siro outfit.
Since joining the Rossoneri, the Nigerian has struggled to replicate the form that made him a household name at the Yellow Submarines during his five-year spell at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
Chukwueze has made only 39 appearances for Milan, scoring three goals and as many assists since arriving at San Siro.
The 25-year-old has grossed 175 from a possible 540 minutes across six Serie A games.
Milan manager Paulo Fonseca, in a recent press conference, confirmed that Chukwueze had no space in his team, urging the Nigerian to make a move elsewhere.
“He had a very good preseason when he had space against big teams. When we arrived here, against Torino and Lazio, I think Chukwueze was not as good as in the pre-season,” Fonseca said.
“It’s not a problem of quality but of confidence. He needs to gain confidence and play in this context: in Serie A he has no space; he has to make movements at the right time.”
Following the manager’s statement, an Italian website Les-transferts wrote that the former Villarreal man could return to Spain with Atletico Madrid interested in his service.
“Samuel Chukwueze could leave AC Milan to head to Spain during the next winter transfer window,” the website wrote.
“With his contract ending in June 2028, Samuel Chukwueze could leave AC Milan during the next winter transfer window. Having appeared six times this season in the league, the 25-year-old right winger could have an exit voucher in January.
“Regarding his future, the Nigerian international (38 caps, 5 goals) would have the possibility of making his return to Spain. According to information revealed by Fichajes, the latter would be in the sights of Atlético Madrid.
“Estimated at €20m on the transfer market, the native of Umahaia would also be on the tablets of West Ham and Aston Villa.”