Arsenal Eyeing Chukwueze As Potential Replacement For Flop Who’ll Be Sold For Any Fee ‘However Small’

In an effort to revamp their attacking options, Arsenal Football Club has expressed interest in Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze amid reports of the club’s determination to offload an underperforming attacker.

Chukwueze who has emerged as a key player for Villarreal showcased his abilities during the recently concluded season, scoring an impressive 13 goals from 50 appearances.

This marked a significant milestone in his career, as it was the first time he reached double figures in all competitions.

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However, with Chukwueze’s contract set to expire in 2024, it is speculated that the 24-year-old may depart Villarreal this summer if he does not extend his current deal.

As a result, several clubs have expressed interest in the Nigerian winger, with AC Milan and Arsenal being two prominent suitors, according to Calciomercato.

While Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham, and Real Madrid are also mentioned as potential contenders for Chukwueze’s signature, Arsenal stands out as the only Premier League club among his admirers that can offer participation in the UEFA Champions League next season, alongside Madrid and Milan.

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Simultaneously, reports from closer sources suggest that Arsenal has decided against reintegrating Nicolas Pepe into the squad following his loan spell at Nice.

Pepe, who remains Arsenal’s record signing, has failed to meet expectations since his arrival in 2019. With just one year left on his contract, the Daily Telegraph claims that Arsenal is determined to sell or release the Ivorian winger this summer.

Ideally, Arsenal hopes to recoup a transfer fee for the 28-year-old, but it is acknowledged that the club will not be able to recover the full £72 million they invested in him.

The report indicates that Arsenal is open to offers and is willing to accept even a modest fee for Pepe. If no suitable bids materialize (Nice has already ruled out a permanent deal), terminating Pepe’s contract prematurely remains a viable option for Arsenal.

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Considering Arsenal’s winger situation from the previous season, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli were the main wide options, with Reiss Nelson providing backup and Leandro Trossard joining in January. The addition of Chukwueze could serve as a statement of intent by Arsenal and allow the club to distance itself from Pepe.

Comparing the performances of Chukwueze and Pepe this season, both players contributed significantly in terms of goals.

Pepe scored eight goals in 28 games, resulting in a goals-to-games ratio of approximately 0.29. Meanwhile, Chukwueze netted 13 goals in 50 appearances, giving him a similar ratio of 0.26.

However, Chukwueze outshines Pepe in terms of assists, providing 11 assists compared to Pepe’s single assist. This indicates that the Nigerian forward contributes to a goal roughly every other game, while Pepe tends to require three games to do the same.

One aspect that Arsenal must consider is the similarity between Chukwueze and Pepe as left-footed forwards who prefer cutting in from the right-hand side.

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This area of the pitch has become Saka’s domain in recent years, with the 21-year-old producing impressive numbers, scoring 15 goals and providing 11 assists in 48 appearances this season.

The potential success of a move for Chukwueze will depend on the transfer fee involved and Arsenal’s tactical plans.

However, with Arsenal positioning themselves as an attractive destination after finishing as Premier League runners-up, the club may be poised to make ambitious moves for elite targets.