According to AS, Real Madrid have set their sights on Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze and have made enquiries about his situation heading into the summer transfer window.
The 24-year-old Nigerian international is set to enter the final year of his contract with Villarreal which expires in 2024. As such, it has piqued the interest of Real Madrid, who were left dazzled by the winger’s performance against them at the Santiago Bernabeu this season.
With Real Madrid bidding goodbye to Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Eden Hazard, and Mariano Diaz, they now have just two senior attackers left on their books in Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo Goes.
So, it goes without saying that there is a serious need to replenish the attacking department in the summer transfer window.
Moves for Premier League duo Harry Kane and Kai Havertz are already taking place, but now Chukwueze has also emerged as an option to further strengthen the wide areas.
The Nigerian speedster is coming on the back of a solid season during which he managed a tally of 13 goals and 11 assists from 50 matches across all competitions.
The 24-year-old is understood to have a release clause worth €80 million in his contract, but the report states that a sale could take place at a lower value.
Last year, Villarreal were considering an offer of just €20 million from Everton for Chukwueze before eventually deciding to keep hold of him. And given his performances this term, they will want a higher sum than that, with the report suggesting that the transfer could take place for €40 million.
Chukwueze’s potential arrival would bolster Real Madrid’s options on the right flank and add competition to Rodrygo and possibly Brahim Diaz, provided he remains at the club and does not join AC Milan permanently.
It remains to be seen whether the Merengues’ initial enquiry for Chukwueze leads to something substantial in the coming weeks.