Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze in the January transfer window.
The north London giants spent well in the summer but look set to splash the cash again with Mikel Arteta’s side at the summit of the Premier League. Arteta has already started planning for the January transfer window as he tries to add more to his attacking options.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Arsenal are among a host of clubs targeting a move for Villarreal’s Samuel Chukwueze. The Nigerian international is in high demand, with fellow Premier League clubs Aston Villa, West Ham and Everton also keeping tabs while La Liga side Atletico Madrid also considering a move, the report adds.
Chukwueze, 23, has not enjoyed a great season in La Liga so far but will hope to regain his lost mojo at Villarreal under new manager Quique Setien, who recently took over from Unai Emery. The Nigerian speedster has registered just one assist in 13 La Liga games, although he has been productive in the UEFA Europa Conference League with two goals and as many assists in five games.
Samuel Chukwueze to Arsenal—Should the Gunners make a move?
Mikel Arteta will certainly want to utilise the January window to capitalise on Arsenal’s stunning start to the 2022/23 campaign which has seen them at the top of the Premier League standings. A winger tops Arteta’s wishlist, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli needing cover and competition.
Samuel Chukwueze has been on Arsenal’s radar for several years and the north London club missed out on the opportunity to sign him for just £4million back in 2018.
A youth product of the Villarreal academy, Chukwueze enjoyed his breakthrough in the senior side in the 2018/19 campaign and has not looked back since, establishing himself as one of Europe’s highly-rated young wingers. He has made close to 180 senior appearances for the Yellow Submarine, producing 27 goals and 24 assists.
In the ongoing La Liga season, the 23-year-old has averaged 1.1 shots, 1.1 key passes, 0.5 long balls, 0.3 crosses and 1.3 dribbles per game. His pass completion rate needs improvement, as evidenced by a 76% success rate (courtesy: WhoScored.com).
With his explosive pace, dribbling skills and smart movement, Chukwueze can get past the defenders with ease and create spaces for his teammates to exploit. The Nigerian has got the vision to breach a rigid defence and create meaningful opportunities in the final third.
A wide player of Chukwueze’s quality and skill set will no doubt be a clever acquisition for Arsenal as he is good enough to rival Saka and Martinelli for a regular starting spot at the Emirates Stadium in the coming seasons. At 23, he is not the finished product yet and could fulfil his huge potential under the watchful eyes of Arteta.
Considering the number of clubs circling for him, the Gunners must quickly move in for Samuel Chukwueze when the transfer window reopens in January.