Chelsea are reportedly keen on adding Villarreal winger and Nigeria international Samuel Chukwueze to their playing ranks when the January transfer window opens in a couple of weeks but the youngster has been advised to continue his development with the Yellow Submarines.
Villarreal coach Javier Calleja has cautioned Samuel Chukwueze from moving away too soon from a club that has provided him with the platform to develop at his own pace.
According to reports making the rounds, Chelsea – with their transfer ban lifted – have made the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner one of their top transfer targets.
Frank Lampard’s side have stuttered in recent weeks with the London giants having lost four of their last five Premier League games, including Saturday’s 0-1 home loss to struggling Bournemouth.
A fresh injection of young players with pace and potential is expected to breathe new impetus into the rather flat Blues’ squad.
But coach Javier Calleja believes Chukwueze is not ready to make the switch to the Premier League just yet.
The tactician, who won the 2003 and 2004 UEFA Intertoto Cups with Villarreal as a player, is convinced that the 20-year-old still has room for improvement and there is no better place than Villarreal to continue that development.
“I think Samu is very grateful for everything Villarreal has given him. He is very young and has much to improve, and he knows it,” said Calleja, according to quotes obtained from Marca.
“It will be difficult for him to find a place where he is more comfortable and more familiar than in a club like ours.
“He must continue working because (in) time (he) will have to face other experiences, experience another league. He has time ahead and knows that he has the love of the fans and the total support of teammates and coaching staff.”
Samuel Chukwueze burst on to the La Liga scene last term with flying runs down the Yellow Submarines’ right flank and ended the season with 5 goals in 26 league appearances. The talented youngster has already found the back of the net three times in 16 games this season.
