AC Milan never gave up on signing Samuel Chukwueze from Villarreal and now they look destined to get their man, according to a report.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below), Villarreal demanded €30m to let Chukwueze leave but because he has less than a year left on his deal, Milan saw a bid of €20m plus €8m in bonuses expected, after an initial €20-25m bid (total) was rejected.
The operation will be definitively closed in the next few hours and a five-year deal worth close to €4m net per season is ready, meaning the Nigeria international will immediately become one of the highest paid members of the team.
He will head out for the American tour and meet his new team-mates soon, and he will also take part in the friendly matches that will be played out there against Real Madrid, Juventus and Barcelona.
Now Milan have balance to their attack because they have signed a player who could be ‘Leao’s twin’ by virtue of his dribbling skill, his acceleration, his pace and his eye for goal.
Chukwueze guarantees sprints, one-on-one ability and danger in the last 20 metres. Last season he netted 6 goals in LaLiga, 4 in the Copa del Rey, 3 in the Conference League and had 11 total assists.
For the past three seasons Milan have leant heavily on the left side with Theo Hernandez and Leao. However, Christian Pulisic has signed and he can play on the right, Noah Okafor will alternate with Olivier Giroud and Chukwueze will be the starter.
At 24 and after an entire career wearing Villarreal yellow (207 total games, 37 goals, 31 assists), Chukwueze is ready to change and try a new adventure, which is what allowed Milan to eventually break down the resistance of the Spaniards.