Samuel Chukwueze: Fulham take first step to land Super Eagles star

Samuel Chukwueze is expected to leave AC Milan this summer to get more game time elsewhere

English Premier League club Fulham have opened talks with AC Milan over the signing of Super Eagles attacker Samuel Chukwueze, Soccernet.ng reports.

Chukwueze has struggled to make a big impact since joining the Rossoneri from Fulham two years ago.

Last season was one of his worst, as he spent more time on the bench than he ever has in the career.

The 26-year-old Super Eagles winger got decent minutes when coach Stefano Pioli was in charge two seasons ago and Paulo Fonseca led the team for the first half of last season. But since Sergio Conceicao took over at the turn of the year, his situation deteriorated significantly.

Conceicao left Milan at the end of last season, and they appointed Massimiliano Allegri. But it does not seem like the Italian tactician believes in Chukwueze.

The Super Eagles star reported for pre-season camp very early on the first day. But he has gotten meager minutes in their pre-season games.

Recall that there have been speculations that Chukwueze will leave the Rossoneri since the turn of the year. And in recent weeks, it has seemed increasingly likely that he will exit Milan.

Meanwhile, Chukwueze has been linked to multiple clubs this summer. There have also been rumours of a LaLiga return, with Mallorca and Real Sociedad touted as potential destinations. But none of them has made a move yet.

Fulham have also been linked with the former Villarreal man, but nothing has happened yet.

Now, in a new development, per Italian football transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, Fulham have taken an important step towards signing Chukwueze. This is as they have opened talks with the parties involved.

How much will Samuel Chukwueze cost Fulham?

Samuel Chukwueze is valued at €10 million on Transfermarkt. But AC Milan will demand a bit higher than that, as they will hope to recoup most of the €21.1 million they spent on him two years ago.

However, Fulham also know that the Rossoneri want to offload Chukwueze this summer. So they will not table a big bid.

For the Super Eagles star, he will hope to make a move that guarantees him playing time next season, especially with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations just a few months away.