Transfer Centre

Aston Villa preparing move for Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 09 November 2022

Aston Villa preparing move for Samuel Chukwueze?

Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery is reportedly interested in a reunion with Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze.

Aston Villa are reportedly contemplating a move for Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze during 2023.

The Premier League outfit have just appointed Unai Enery as their new coach, the Spaniard replacing Steven Gerrard who was sacked on October 20.

Emery enjoyed the perfect start in the West Midlands, witnessing his new side record a 3-1 victory over Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.

However, despite his spell with Villarreal now being in the past, Emery continues to be linked with players at the Yellow Submarine.

On more than one occasion, it has recently been claimed that Emery holds an interest in signing Nicolas Jackson during the January transfer window.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery pictured in November 2022 © Reuters

The Senegelese forward has made 10 starts and nine substitute appearances for Villarreal this campaign and would bolster Emery's options in the final third.

Nevertheless, according to Fichajes, Emery also intends to assess the possibility of trying to secure a reunion with Chukwueze.

The 23-year-old has only been recalled to the Villarreal XI on a consistent basis since Emery made his decision to take on a second job in the Premier League.

While the playmaker has made five starts in the Europa Conference League, eight of his 12 outings in La Liga have been as a substitute.

Villarreal's Samuel Chukwueze celebrates scoring their first goal with Giovani Lo Celso and teammates on April 12, 2022 © Reuters

Despite his lack of game time under Emery this campaign, the report suggests that Villa Park could be a destination for the Nigeria international at the turn of the year.

Although Villarreal would ideally like to retain Chukwueze's services in the long term, just over 18 months remain on his contract at Estadio de la Ceramica.

In total, Chukwueze has contributed 27 goals and 24 assists from his 176 appearances in all competitions, 20 of those outings coming in the Europa League triumph in 2020-21 and run to the Champions League semi-finals during the following season.

The report adds that Arsenal, West Ham United and Everton are among the clubs who intend to monitor any developments with regards to his future.