For a while it seemed like Samuel Chukwueze could be one of AC Milan’s first summer sales. Now, everything has changed.
The summer transfer window has Rúben Amorim carefully evaluating the group of players returning from their respective loan spells around Europe. Among the various names that stands out is Chukwueze , fresh from his Premier League experience with Fulham.
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Although his bags seemed packed, the situation surrounding the Nigerian winger has changed. Recent statements made by the Portuguese coach in a press conference suggest the concrete possibility of his permanent stay, as Tuttosport (via MilanVibes) report.
Chukwueze like Diallo
Within the current attacking line-up available to Amorim, Chukwueze is the only left-footed forward. During his first meeting with the media, the Portuguese coach had high praise for the Nigerian, stating his intention to keep him because of how good he is in 1v1 situations.
On paper, the most natural position for the former Villarreal star in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation would be as a right attacking midfielder, operating behind the lone striker to cut inside and shoot. However, the first open training session on Monday provided a tactical surprise.
Chukwueze was tested as a right wing-back in the four across the middle. It’s a new role for him, but it reflects the coach’s specific philosophy. Amorim has previously adapted players to playing a bit further backwards.
For example, he did it with Amad Diallo at Manchester United, as well as with Geny Catamo and Geovany Quenda during his time at Sporting CP. Rafael Leão’s possible exit and Christian Pulisic’s injury means that the Nigerian should initially start in the attacking trident.
However, it remains up to Amorim to decide what to do from there, especially if a new signing arrives. The coach must determine whether to deploy the Nigerian closer to goal or to try and further the wing-back evolution.
HELL NO
Ooooor, he simply felt Chukwueze was the only available player best suited in the current pre season squad to play there in a 11 vs 11 game, given Sallad is on vacay?
Wouldnt read to much into trainings this early.
Salad is right footed
Goncalo Ramos
Pulisic – ???
Saelemakers – Rabiot – ??? – ???
Pavlovic – ??? – Gila
Maignan
this is the current state of the squad… double-pivot partner for Rabiot or CCB is solvable with current players: Modric/Jashari and Gabbia being good enough.
RAM and RWB are the current holes for us: Dedic/Doue; Brahim Diaz
HAJJBALL 😀 How about Tiago Santos?
Ramos
Pulisic – Nkunku
Bartesaghi – Rabiot – Modric – Saelemaekers
Pavlovic – Gabbia – Gila
Maignan
Thats the current state of the squad I guess, and at the league start we will likely see Nkunku-Chukwueze behind Ramos unless Pulisic get fit super fast.
Resonable re-inforcements?
Zaniolo – Cheap solution for the AMR role and he knows serie a. Can be gotten for 15 mil
Gonçalo Inácio – Mendes will get Sporting to sell for a resonable price. Will be our next big spend.
Dayann Méthalie’s – Very promising left back. Just need to beat out Sunderland for him as it looks like now. Can be gotten at a resonable price
Icardi – He’s leaving Gala and dont have much other options. He likes Milano and will come for free. Great backup to Ramos together with Camarda.
Thats 4 resonable and doable additions to the squad as I see it. Inacio, Icardi and Méthalie’s will be dependent on us getting Estupinian, Gimenez and Tomori sold.
Zaniolo and Chukwueze will take Fofana and R-L-C spots in the 25 man squad (if we can sell them). I see Musah, Bondo and Terraciano leaving on loan or getting sold.
A possible starting 11 for season 26/27 when all are fit and with above signings-
Ramos
Pulisic – Zaniolo
Bartesaghi – Rabiot – Modric – Saelemaekers
Pavlovic – Inacio – Gila
Maignan
Backup 11-
Icardi (Camarda)
Nkunku – Chukwueze
Méthalie’s – Jashari – Ricci (Comotto) – Athekame
De Winter – Gabbia – Odogu
Torriani (Terraciano)
If they can get this together I think we have a good squad to compete for both the scudetto and the europa league trophy.
Alot of ifs and buts, but not crazy unrealistic signings.
We’ve seen his 1v1 skills in his first season with us. He’s a one trick pony and awful one too.
Neurotic duracell bunny he is.
Chukwueze is the type of player that when you see him in training he’s unplayable but sometimes he looks awful in games against average defenders and he’s too inconsistent.
Amorim should play him closer to goal behind the striker but not as a wingback.
Here’s an idea. Offer Mike and Leao to Chelsea in a swap deal for Quanda