Aston Villa have emerged as frontrunners to sign AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze in January, with manager Unai Emery keen to reunite with his former player.
According to reports, Villa have expressed interest in the Nigeria international, who has fallen out of favour at San Siro. Chukwueze, 25, joined Milan from Villarreal for €28m last summer but has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot.
Despite becoming the first Nigerian to win major trophies in both Spain and Italy following Milan’s Supercoppa Italiana triumph over Inter Milan, Chukwueze’s future remains uncertain.
Turkish outlet Fanatik reports that the winger’s representatives have already offered him to Besiktas, while fellow Super Lig side Trabzonspor are also interested in his services. Arsenal have also emerged as potential suitors, with manager Mikel Arteta identifying Chukwueze as a replacement for injured England star Bukayo Saka.
Villa’s interest in Chukwueze could see the Nigerian reunite with Emery, under whom he won the 2021 UEFA Europa League at Villarreal. Chukwueze contributed the most assists in the competition as the Yellow Submarine secured their first major trophy in 98 years.
The Nigerian has managed just three goals and one assist in 21 appearances across all competitions for Milan this season and is currently sidelined until early February with a hamstring injury.
Milan are reportedly hoping to recoup most of their initial investment, with a return to La Liga also remaining a possibility for the former Villarreal star.
