West Ham United must go all out to sign Villarreal forward Samuel Chukwueze
West Ham United are reportedly ready to battle Arsenal and Everton for the signature of Villarreal forward Samuel Chukwueze and the Hammers must move heaven and earth to secure their attacking upgrade.
The Nigerian international has undergone a remarkable campaign for the Yellow Submarine, registering 24 goals and assists in all competitions.
The 23-year-old’s contract with the La Liga outfit expires next summer, meaning that the upcoming window will be Villarreal’s final ample opportunity to cash in and a move to England appeals to the irresistible winger.
According to Mundo Deportivo, West Ham, alongside top-flight rivals Arsenal and Everton, have “set their sights” on signing Chukwueze ahead of the 2023/24 season.
The Yellow Submarines winger’s performances have “caught the attention” of the hierarchy in both clubs with the two capital rivals “going crazy” to secure his services this summer.
Chukwueze’s price tag remains to be seen, but with his current deal in Spain expiring in 2024, West Ham United may not have a better opportunity to secure his services on a relatively cheap deal, especially with the club set to potentially receive a financial war chest with key man Declan Rice set to seal a big-money move away.
Dubbed a “game changer” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Nigerian international has been superb for the La Liga giants this season, racking up 24 goal contributions (13 goals and 11 assists) in 41 appearances across all competitions so far this season.
The Hammers will be desperately searching for attacking reinforcements this summer, with Moyes having to rely heavily on the likes of Said Benrahma, Pablo Fornals and Jarrod Bowen who have struggled to impress all season, as his wide options, with summer acquisition Maxwel Cornet also struggling with injuries.
The 24-time Nigerian international represents a stark upgrade on all of the West Ham United attacking options ranking in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons, 93rd percentile for progressive carries and 89th percentile for goal-creating actions per 90 highlighting his prolific form and desire to make the magic happen in the final third.
The Europa League winner and Champions League participant also currently averages 4.23 shot-creating actions per game which is higher than any other of his fellow teammates and is also significantly higher than West Ham’s two best options Bowen and Benrahma.
Chukwueze, who according to FBRef is stylistically similar to Benrahma, would add excellent versatility to Moyes’ squad having operated in five various positions since the start of his career, including out wide on both flanks and unconventionally at centre-forward too potentially giving the Hammers plenty of attacking variation were he to join the East Londoners.
Given the Villarreal winger’s extraordinary and unique attacking abilities and potential to become a European superstar in the future, this really is a no-brainer of a decision to make when it comes to completing a deal this summer.