Poor form could see Samuel Chukwueze exit Milan in January

Nigeria and AC Milan winger, Samuel Chukwueze, could depart from the club in January due to lack of playing time, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 25-year-old wide man joined Milan from Villarreal last season, and had a slow start to life in San Siro, scoring one goal in his first six months, but life got better after the turn of the year.

Goals in Milan’s pre-season tour raised expectations of what to expect from the former Villarreal man, but he’s struggled to impress under Paulo Fonseca this season, recording zero goal contribution in all competitions.

Due to this, he’s been quickly tossed to the side, with Cristian Pulisic preferred in his place. Paulo Fonseca has opted to field Tammy Abraham and Alvaro Morata together up front, leaving Chukwueze with just 186 minutes under his belt.

As per to Corriere dello Sport (via Fantacalcio), a January departure of the Nigerian speedster can’t be ruled out. While his contract runs till the summer of 2028, the Milan hierarchy do not want his value to become so low before they get rid of him.

The 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner joined Milan for €20M and hasn’t been able to nail down a starting spot in the Milan starting XI. Additionally, he hasn’t been a real competitor to  Rafael Leao and Pulisic during his time at San Siro, scoring just three goals and providing three assists in 40 games for the Reds and blacks.

As per Pianeta Milan, Atletico Madrid, West Ham, and Aston Villa are keeping an eye on the attacker in case he becomes available. Unai Emery’s side are said to be willing, to offer an exchange to Milan, allowing Matty Cash to head in the opposite direction.

Chukwueze’s last goal involvement came in Nigeria’s 1-2 loss to Benin Republic in June, providing an assist for Raphael Onyedika’s debut goal.