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The winger for the Super Eagles,Samuel Chukwueze,finds himself in a precarious position at AC Milan in the Serie A, with speculation surrounding a potential summer transfer after a disappointing stint at the Giuseppe Meazza.
The 26-year-old Nigerian has been made available for transfer by the Rossoneri as they seek to generate funds for a significant squad overhaul for the upcoming season.
Chukwueze, who joined from Villarreal in the summer of 2023, has faced challenges in cementing his place in the starting lineup due to injuries and limited playtime.
The lack of consistent performance has led the club officials to opt for his departure during the summer break.
Italian media outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport indicated that Chukwueze is among the key players expected to leave Lombardy as the club prepares for a major restructure, and Milan is open to offers for him.
Milan's choice to sell comes after a disappointing 2024/25 season, where they finished eighth in Serie A and failed to qualify for European competitions.
Chukwueze's difficulties during his two seasons in Milan are well-known; last season, he made a total of 26 league appearances, starting only nine and contributing three goals and two assists.
Despite his low attacking contributions, there is potential hope for the Nigerian as Real Betis from La Liga is rumored to be interested in acquiring him.
However, there appears to be a significant gap in their valuation, as Milan seeks a higher price. Reports from One Football reveal that Betis's current offer does not meet the €21.1 million transfer fee, plus an additional €7 million in bonuses, that Milan originally paid to Villarreal for Chukwueze.
Discussions between the two clubs about the 2019 AFCON bronze medalist are still in the early stages, and Milan has not received adequate offers for other key players such as Theo Hernandez.
At this point, Chukwueze has three potential paths to revive his career. He could return to the Spanish top division if negotiations with Betis prove successful, potentially reigniting the spark he had during his time with Villarreal, where he helped win the UEFA Europa League in 2021 against Manchester United.
Another possibility is embarking on a new adventure in the Premier League; during the 2024/25 season, he was linked with a move to the modest club Fulham in January, though nothing materialized from those discussions. Lastly, he may choose to stay with AC Milan if a transfer does not come to fruition.
Remaining at the San Siro would require him to compete for a starting position under the returning manager Massimiliano Allegri, who reportedly is not keen on Chukwueze.
Nevertheless, circumstances could shift if the Nigerian works hard to earn his place in the team. It may seem risky for his career, but it is an opportunity worth considering.
