Fulham could make a summer move for a “flamboyant” £25m winger who’s been likened to Arjen Robben, according to a report.
Cottagers pushing for Europe
The Cottagers have done a good job of reestablishing themselves in the Premier League since returning prior to the 2022-23 season, recording respectable finishes of 10th and 13th, and they could even make an unexpected push for Europe this season.
After two wins on the spin, against good opposition in Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, Marco Silva‘s side are up to eighth, just five points off the top four, displaying signs they could compete for a Europa League spot at the very least.
Silva was keen to strengthen his squad in January to further aid their European push, but it was ultimately a quiet window at Craven Cottage, with WIllian proving to be the only addition.
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According to a report from Italy, Fulham came very close to signing Samuel Chukwueze this winter, with a €30m (£25m) deal just one step away from being agreed, but they ran out of time to complete the move.
However, Chukwueze could be pursued once again in the summer transfer window, as he has been deemed surplus to requirements by Milan, who have now agreed to sanction a loan move to the Premier League.
There may be competition for the winger’s signature this summer, however, as Premier League rivals Aston Villa are also thought to be interested, with Unai Emery well-aware of the former Villarreal man’s abilities, having spent time working with him in La Liga.
“Flamboyant” Chukwueze could replace Adama Traore
Adama Traore received praise from Silva for his performance in the 2-1 victory against Forest at the weekend, with the manager saying: “Throughout the game he was much more involved in everything and this is how I want to see him because his capacity is almost unstoppable and we need to give him the tools to play like he did this afternoon.”
However, Fulham may find it difficult to hold onto Traore beyond the end of the season, with a number of La Liga clubs making contact to discuss a deal, meaning a replacement may be necessary.
There are signs Chukwueze could be a like-for-like replacement for the Spaniard, having been praised for his pace and acceleration by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who also described him as “flamboyant” and likened him to Robben.
Chukwueze has proven himself to be a fantastic dribbler, ranking in the 88th percentile for progressive carries per 90 over the past year, and the 85th percentile for successful take-ons, when compared to his positional peers.
That said, the Nigerian has not provided much of a goal threat since signing for Milan, scoring just twice in the Serie A this season, and he is now being used far more sporadically by the Italian side, which may be a cause for concern for Silva.
