Samuel Chukwueze decision made as Milan leave out Modric, include Okafor in squad for Australian tour

Despite heavy links to several European sides, Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze has been handed a fresh lifeline by AC Milan and manager Massimiliano Allegri.

AC Milan have included Super Eagles star Samuel Chukwueze in their squad for the upcoming pre-season tour of Asia and Australia, despite strong speculation linking the winger with a summer move away from San Siro.

Chukwueze, 26, has endured a frustrating spell at the club since his high-profile switch from Villarreal two years ago, managing just eight goals and six assists in 69 appearances, the majority of which came off the bench.

With only 283 minutes of playing time in 2025, the Super Eagles forward has struggled to cement a starting spot in Milan's line-up.

Reports suggest Chukwueze's time at Milan is up with the former Villarreal forward expected to leave Milan for greener pastures this summer. Milan have already lined up a replacement for Chukwueze.

Yet in a somewhat surprising twist, Chukwueze has been named among the travelling party for the Rossoneri’s three-match tour, where they will face Arsenal (July 23, Singapore), Liverpool (July 26, Hong Kong), and Perth Glory (July 31, Australia).

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Chukwueze's inclusion could suggest that new head coach Massimiliano Allegri is open to reassessing the winger’s future if no suitable transfer materialises.

This decision comes amid growing interest from Premier League side Fulham, with La Liga clubs Real Betis, Mallorca and Real Sociedad also said to be monitoring the situation.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Luca Bianchin, Fulham are keen but are yet to open official talks with Milan.

While Milan have decided to allow Chukwueze be a part of the pre-season tour, they have excluded several high-profile players from the tour, including Luka Modric — rested after the Club World Cup — and Mexico striker Santiago Gimenez, still on post-Gold Cup leave.

Others left out include Tommaso Pobega, Emerson Royal (injured), Ismael Bennacer, and Devis Vasquez — all of whom may depart this summer.

New signings Samuele Ricci and Pietro Terracciano made the squad, alongside attacking regulars Rafael Leão, Noah Okafor, and Christian Pulisic.

Whether Chukwueze stays to fight for a place or moves on remains to be seen, but for now, his inclusion signals one thing: Allegri hasn’t shut the door just yet.