Real Madrid could see target snatched by ASTON VILLA

Stuart Telford

• 23 Apr 2023 12:03 BST
• 3 min read

Real Madrid have shortlisted Samuel Chukwueze as a potential summer signing, but Aston Villa could steal a march on them thanks to their former Villarreal manager Unai Emery.

Real are in the market for a new winger with Federico Valverde pencilled in for a more central midfield role, Eden Hazard surplus to requirements, and more depth therefore needed behind Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.

And Chukwueze, who has drawn comparisons with former Madrid wide man Arjen Robben, has caught their eye - especially after hitting a brace as Villarreal beat them 3-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this month.

READ: Real Madrid target 'next Robben' with Perez a fan

According to reports, Chukwueze has a release clause of €100 million but Real are confident of signing him for half that with his current contract expiring in the summer of 2024. But Aston Villa are ready to play spoiler.

"Los Blancos have some stiff competition, since Quique Setien's predecessor at Villarreal, Unai Emery, is very interested in recruiting him for his project at Aston Villa," report Sport.

"Emery has absolute command at Villa. Proof of this is the hiring of Antonio Benito as the new sporting director, a deal closed on Friday."

READ: Who is Samuel Chukwueze? Villarreal's 'Nigerian Robben'

How good is Chukwueze?

Chukwueze is a left-footed right winger who loves nothing better than drifting inside to score or assist on his stronger side - hence the comparisons with Robben.

A 27-time Nigeria international, Chukwueze helped to their first major honour under Emery in 2021 as the Yellow Submarine upset the odds to lift the Europa League crown.

This season, he has contributed 13 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, as well as completing an average of four successful take-ons per 90 minutes played in La Liga - putting him in the 99th percentile of wingers in that regard league-wide.

Chukwueze's highest ETV to date per FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm has been €25.8m - a figure Real might not be able to stretch to as they plan to sign Jude Bellingham at the same time as revamping the Bernabeu.