Real Madrid have joined West Ham United in the race to sign Villarreal forward Samuel Chukwueze this summer, with the forward now valued at £43m, according to Fichajes.net.
The Nigerian international has undergone a remarkable campaign for the Yellow Submarine, registering 24 goals and assists in all competitions.
The 23-year-old’s contract with the La Liga outfit expires next summer, meaning that the upcoming window will be Villarreal’s final ample opportunity to cash in and a move to England appeals to the irresistible winger.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo revealed on 21 April that West Ham alongside top-flight rivals Arsenal and Everton, have “set their sights” on signing Chukwueze ahead of the 2023/24 season.
And Fichajes [6 June] reveal that Real Madrid have also joined the hunt for the forward, with Villarreal now valuing the play at €50m (£43m) and are now resigned to losing him this summer.
Dubbed a “game changer” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Nigerian international has been superb for the La Liga giants this season, racking up 24 goal contributions (13 goals and 11 assists) in 41 appearances across all competitions so far this season.
£43m may seem too steep for West Ham United to consider, but given the player’s contract runs out in 2024, the Hammers could well get Villarreal to lower their price tag and the Irons will certainly have money in the bank this summer should they sell key-man Declan Rice for the £100m-plus fee they’re demanding.
The fact that Real Madrid have now joined the queue makes this transfer all the more difficult, given the huge pull the Spanish giants have when it comes to recruitment, but West Ham United could easily signify their intentions in the market by acquiring such a marquee player.
The 24-time Nigerian international represents a stark upgrade on all of the West Ham United attacking options ranking in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons, 93rd percentile for progressive carries and 89th percentile for goal-creating actions per 90 highlighting his prolific form and desire to make the magic happen in the final third.
With West Ham United rather short on attacking quality right now, the Chukwueze opportunity may be too tempting to pursue and he’s a player certainly ready to take the Premier League by storm.
