Villarreal Slams €80million Transfer Fee on Chukwueze 

*Real Madrid front runners to lure the Nigerian to Bernabeu 

 Femi Solaja

In a desperate move for complete over-haul and still stay in the realm of Europe’s elite cadre, Real Madrid have initiated moves to lure Super Eagles’ winger, Samuel Chukwueze, to Santiago Bernabeu.

The Nigerian forward was yesterday named Laliga’s ‘African Player of the 2022/23 Season’ thus making him one of the beautiful bride when the transfer window officially opens next month.  

However, report in soccernet.comindicates that Chukwueze’s  Spanish club, Villarreal, have also informed  Real Madrid that nothing short of €80million is required  to be paid to actualise the big move of the Nigerian forward to the Spanish capital city club.

Chukwueze who won the AFCON 2019 bronze with Super Eagles in Egypt, set the sporting media buzzing last April with his dazzling form at the Real Madrid’s  Bernabeu. 

He  powered the Yellow Submarine’s come-back to beat the former champions 3-2 with two of the goals from his boots.

The feat did not only helped the former Europa League winners to escape relegation but pushed them  back into the second tier European club football next season. 

Chukwueze’s contract at Villarreal is due to expire at the end of next season.

Apart from Real Madrid, there are reports of Arsenal’s interest in the pacy winger  to reduce the pressure on Bukayo Saka on the right side of the Gunners attack.

Tottenham Hotspurs are also believed to be  considering bidding for the Nigerian.

According to Transfermarkt, Chukwueze is worth €20million, but Villarreal are now asking for more because of the interest that the Nigerian forward has garnered.

Chukwueze registred 13 goals and provided 11 assists across all competitions in the just concluded campaign. 

He had struggled for a regular shirt at the start of the season but transformed back in the middle of the loaded season to become a key member of the team.