According to the latest reports, the Spanish side Villarreal has rejected an offer from Liverpool which included a move for Samuel Chukwueze in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The 20-year-old attacker was identified as an initial cover for Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah on the right-hand side of Jurgen Klopp’s lethal frontline trio as the other two slots were considered to be well-stocked with back-up options.
The Premier League table-toppers signed Japanese international Takumi Minamino from Red Bull Salzburg in the January transfer window and the 25-year-old is viewed as a suitable deputy for Brazilian playmaker Roberto Firmino. Meanwhile, Belgian star Divock Origi and English midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are believed to be good options for replacing Sadio Mane if the Senegalese attacker is out injured.
The red side of Merseyside was understood to have targeted Chukwueze as a potential back-up for their goalscoring sensation Mohamed Salah and had made an initial offer worth €35 million for the services of the young Nigerian.
However, the La Liga giants have rejected the bid from Liverpool and are only willing to part with the player if anything over €65 million is agreed upon, which is the amount listed on his release clause.
Chukwueze made his senior debut for Villarreal 18 months ago and impressed a number of top European suitors who are now closely monitoring his situation at the Estadio de la Cerámica. With four goals and four assists to his name this already this season across all competitions, the likes of Chelsea, Lyon, and Manchester City are keeping close tabs on Chuzwueze.
The talented striker has expressed his desire to play in the Premier League in the past, “Playing in England is still an ambition for me. I need to keep on working hard and to keep improving. I really want to play in England. It was very close for me to sign for Arsenal, almost had the contract in my hands. Unfortunately, it did not work out fine with my academy due to the side of agreement and payment. They did not agree with the terms of the contract.Â
