West Ham, Crystal Palace keen on move for Super Eagles star with 21 La Liga goals

The Super Eagles star is one of a few Nigeria internationals to have played in the elite leagues of Spain, Italy and England

West Ham have taken their first concrete step towards a summer swoop for Nigeria international Samuel Chukwueze, Soccernet.ng reports. 

This is as the Premier League club begins early planning to strengthen its attacking options ahead of next season.

The Hammers are understood to have made initial contact to explore the winger’s situation. According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, West Ham have lodged enquiries over a potential transfer once the current campaign comes to a close.

Chukwueze, who remains contracted to AC Milan, is spending the season on loan at Fulham, where he has gradually worked his way into Marco Silva’s plans. Although not always a guaranteed starter, the 26-year-old has still managed to leave his mark, registering three goals and four assists in 12 Premier League outings, despite missing time due to AFCON duties.

His resurgence in England has not gone unnoticed. Crystal Palace and Aston Villa are also believed to be keeping close tabs on developments, while Fulham retain an option to make the move permanent for a fee believed to be just over £21 million.

Milan, however, are said to be open to a sale this summer if their valuation is met, potentially setting the stage for a competitive transfer tussle.

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Super Eagles star Chukwueze's growing Premier League appeal

Long before his current spell in west London, Chukwueze had built a formidable reputation in Spain with Villarreal, where he emerged as one of La Liga’s most dangerous wide attackers.

Across his time with the Yellow Submarine, the Nigerian winger racked up 37 goals and 29 assists in over 200 appearances, with 201 of those goals coming in La Liga alone.

That form earned him a move to AC Milan, though consistency proved elusive in Italy, prompting last summer’s loan switch back to England.

Now back playing with confidence, Chukwueze’s sharpness and direct style have reignited interest across the Premier League.

With Milan keen to balance their books and Fulham yet to commit, the Hammers’ early move could prove decisive as the summer window approaches.

West Ham, though, must remain in the Premier League for the move to see the light of the day.

Nuno Espírito Santo's men sit just inside the relegation zone with 24 points from 26 games and have 12 more matches to salvage their top flight status.