Chelsea turn attention to Chukwueze
It could be new season new country for Super Eagles striker Samuel Chukwueze as Chelsea turn to him in their dire search for a new winger.
The Nigerian appears to be the next best option as the big Londoners have clearly given up on signing Jadon Sancho from Borussia as originally hoped. The huge price placed on Sancho has made the move an uphill task for the Blues.
It has been reported by The Sun, that BVB have refused to drop their asking price which has forced the West Londoners to privately conceded defeat in the race to sign the much-coveted 20-year-old.
Manchester United that are still hanging on to another Nigerian Odion Ighalo are now said to be the overwhelming favourites to acquire Sancho.
A Goal report on Saturday confirmed that Villarreal’s Chukwueze is one being carefully considered by Frank Lampard’s men.
The 21-year-old Nigerian has become a regular in LaLiga after coming through the Yellow Submarine’s academy.
Since he made the Villarreal main team Chukwueze regularly troubles defences. His biggest asset is his outstanding dribbling ability. The same talent has helped him settle into Gernot Rohr’s plans with Nigeria. At 21, the winger is already medallist with Nigeria after the Super Eagles won the bronze medal at the 2019 African Nations Cup held in Egypt. He is clearly in the running as the country awaits the return of football and the races to Cameroon 2021 and Qatar 2022 World Cup continuing.
Earlier this season Chukwueze’s name was mentioned as another London side Arsenal made their moves with the opportunities offered by the January Transfer Window. But it is certain that a move to Chelsea could be the perfect next step for the exciting Nigerian as his style of play appears to fit better with Chelsea who have over time used wingers in their attack. Before him another Nigerian, Victor Moses who left London for Turkey and then Italy’s Inter Milan, fitted in well as a winger for Chelsea.
Report suggests that Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is quite eager for a player with Chukwueze’s style in a wide forward position, particularly with Willian and Pedro’s contracts set to expire.
The Blues still have youngsters Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi – as well as the incoming Hakim Ziyech, but feel that they could still do with more options, The Sun report on Saturday suggested.
Before the young Nigerian came into focus, Crystal Palace’ Wilfried Zaha had been mentioned, but the Eagles’ £80m asking price will rule Chelsea out of contention just as it has done with their chase in Germany.
If Chukwueze lands successfully in Stamford Bridge this year, he would become one of the highest ranked players in the Nigerian team.