Premier League club Fulham have renewed their pursuit of Nigerian international winger Samuel Chukwueze, as the AC Milan star continues to struggle for consistent game time in Italy. After an unsuccessful attempt to land the forward during the January transfer window, the Cottagers are now reportedly preparing to make another move to bring the 26-year-old to Craven Cottage.
Chukwueze, who joined AC Milan from Spanish club Villarreal in the summer of 2023, has endured a challenging debut season at the San Siro. While he arrived with high expectations, his time in Serie A has been characterized by limited starts and inconsistent form, leading to speculation about a possible departure.
Fulham’s Renewed Move
Fulham manager Marco Silva remains a long-time admirer of Chukwueze and is believed to be keen on bolstering his attacking options ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season. With the London-based club already home to two of Chukwueze’s Super Eagles teammates — Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi — there is growing optimism that a move could appeal to the winger.
Reports from Italy suggest that Chukwueze is open to the idea of a move to Fulham, where he would likely enjoy more game time and a system more suited to his attacking strengths. However, as of now, Fulham have yet to open official talks with AC Milan, though that is expected to change in the coming weeks.
“The opportunity to link up with familiar faces like Iwobi and Bassey is definitely appealing to Chukwueze,” a source close to the player revealed. “He wants to be in an environment where he can express himself freely and reignite his form.”
A Disappointing Spell in Milan
Chukwueze arrived at AC Milan amid much fanfare following a stellar final season at Villarreal. Known for his speed, flair, and left-footed dribbling from the right wing, he was expected to challenge for a starting role under then-manager Stefano Pioli. However, competition from stars like Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leão made it difficult for the Nigerian to cement a regular starting place.
Since joining the Rossoneri, Chukwueze has made 69 appearances across all competitions, but many of those have come from the bench. He has scored eight goals and provided six assists — numbers that pale in comparison to his contributions at Villarreal, where he was a fan favorite and a regular threat in La Liga.
Observers have pointed to Serie A’s more tactical and defensively rigid nature as a factor behind Chukwueze’s dip in form. “He thrives in open, attacking systems,” said one Milan-based analyst. “At Milan, he often looked restrained, playing safe rather than showing his natural flair.”
Why Fulham Makes Sense
Marco Silva’s Fulham side has built a reputation for fast-paced, direct football, with an emphasis on attacking down the flanks. This setup could prove ideal for a winger like Chukwueze, who excels when given space to run at defenders and cut inside onto his stronger left foot.
Moreover, the presence of fellow Nigerian internationals Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey at the club adds a strong cultural and tactical appeal. Iwobi, who joined Fulham from Everton last year, has become a crucial part of Silva’s midfield, while Bassey has grown into a reliable defensive option.
The Nigerian trio could form the backbone of a new-look Fulham, which is aiming to climb further up the Premier League table after a mid-table finish last season.
Samuel Chukwueze: Player Profile
- Full Name: Samuel Chimerenka Chukwueze
- Date of Birth: May 22, 1999
- Age: 26
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Position: Right Winger
- Height: 1.72m (5ft 8in)
- Preferred Foot: Left
- Current Club: AC Milan (since 2023)
- Previous Club: Villarreal CF
- International Caps: Over 30 appearances for Nigeria
- Major Honors: UEFA Europa League (2021, with Villarreal)
Chukwueze first rose to prominence with Villarreal during the 2018/19 La Liga season, quickly earning a reputation as one of the most exciting young wingers in European football. His explosive style of play made him a nightmare for full-backs, and he was instrumental in Villarreal’s Europa League triumph under Unai Emery.
He also played a key role for Nigeria in their run to the semi-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and remains a key figure in the Super Eagles setup.
AC Milan’s Dilemma
AC Milan’s new head coach, Paulo Fonseca, who replaced Pioli at the end of last season, is still evaluating the squad ahead of the new campaign. While Chukwueze is part of the club’s pre-season plans, his future remains uncertain, especially with Milan looking to restructure their squad and finances.
It is unclear whether the Italian giants would be willing to let the Nigerian go just one year after his arrival, but Fulham are expected to test their resolve. A fee in the region of €15–20 million could be enough to tempt Milan into selling, particularly if the player himself expresses a desire to move.
Loan options with an obligation or option to buy have also been mooted, which could make the deal more appealing to both sides.
What Happens Next?
With the summer transfer window in full swing, Fulham are expected to step up their efforts in the coming days. If the club can finalize personal terms with Chukwueze and convince Milan to negotiate, the Cottagers could secure a significant boost to their attacking line-up before the season kicks off.
For Chukwueze, a move to Fulham would represent a chance to reset his career trajectory and prove himself on the Premier League stage. With the right system and support, the former Villarreal man could rediscover the form that once made him one of the most exciting young African talents in world football.
By Africa Live News Sports Desk
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