Samuel Chukwueze’s brief and underwhelming stint at AC Milan appears to be nearing its end, as his representatives actively explore potential transfer options for the Nigerian winger. Just months after his €20 million arrival from Villarreal, Chukwueze finds himself on the fringes of the Rossoneri squad, struggling to secure a consistent place in the starting lineup. His representatives have reportedly initiated contact with Turkish giants Besiktas, gauging their interest in acquiring the 25-year-old. Trabzonspor, another prominent club in the Turkish Super Lig, has also emerged as a potential suitor, further fueling speculation about Chukwueze’s imminent departure from Milan. The Italian club, seemingly resigned to cutting their losses on the misfiring winger, appear willing to facilitate a transfer in the upcoming January window, despite Chukwueze having a contract that runs until June 2028.
The potential move to Besiktas, however, faces a temporary hurdle in the form of the club’s ongoing presidential elections. The outcome of these elections could significantly influence Besiktas’s transfer strategy and their willingness to pursue Chukwueze. Furthermore, even if Besiktas’s interest remains steadfast after the elections, the two clubs would need to reach an agreement on the transfer fee and other contractual terms. Chukwueze himself would also need to be convinced about the prospect of playing in the Turkish Super Lig before any deal can be finalized. This presents a complex scenario where multiple factors need to align for a transfer to materialize. Meanwhile, Chukwueze’s situation has attracted attention from the English Premier League, with Arsenal and Aston Villa reportedly monitoring his availability.
Arsenal’s interest in Chukwueze stems from the unfortunate injury to their star winger, Bukayo Saka. Saka’s hamstring injury, which could sideline him for up to two months, has left a void in Arsenal’s attack. Manager Mikel Arteta sees Chukwueze as a potential replacement, possessing the pace and dribbling skills to fill Saka’s shoes during his absence. This presents an intriguing opportunity for Chukwueze to potentially showcase his talents in one of the world’s most competitive leagues. However, Arsenal’s interest remains contingent on Saka’s recovery and their willingness to commit financially to acquiring Chukwueze.
Aston Villa’s interest, on the other hand, is driven by the presence of Unai Emery, their current manager who previously coached Chukwueze at Villarreal. Emery, who guided Villarreal to the UEFA Europa League title in 2021 with Chukwueze playing a key role, is familiar with the winger’s strengths and weaknesses. A reunion with Emery could provide Chukwueze with the stability and familiarity he needs to rediscover his form. The prospect of playing under a manager who trusts him and understands his game could be a significant factor in Chukwueze’s decision-making process. However, like Arsenal, Aston Villa’s pursuit of Chukwueze depends on various factors, including their financial resources and the availability of other potential targets.
AC Milan, having invested €20 million in Chukwueze, are understandably keen to recoup a significant portion of their investment. Reports suggest they are hoping to recover around €28 million, a figure that reflects the initial investment plus additional costs associated with the transfer. This ambitious valuation could potentially complicate negotiations with interested clubs, particularly those in the Turkish Super Lig. While Besiktas and Trabzonspor are prominent clubs in their domestic league, they may not be willing or able to match Milan’s asking price. This financial hurdle could lead to protracted negotiations or even stall the potential move altogether.
Beyond the Premier League and the Turkish Super Lig, a return to La Liga remains a possibility for Chukwueze. His previous success in the Spanish league with Villarreal could attract interest from other La Liga clubs seeking to bolster their attacking options. A return to familiar surroundings could be appealing for Chukwueze, allowing him to regain his confidence and showcase his abilities in a league where he has already proven himself. However, the financial aspects of any potential La Liga move would also need to be carefully considered. Milan’s high valuation of Chukwueze could deter some La Liga clubs, particularly those with limited transfer budgets. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Chukwueze’s future, with multiple clubs vying for his signature and various factors influencing his decision.
