Liverpool face off against Chelsea and Man City for Samuel Chukwueze

Liverpool are among a host of English Premier League clubs interested in signing Samuel Chukwueze in the summer transfer window. (h/t Daily Mail). The Reds will face off against familiar rivals Chelsea and Manchester City in the race for the 20-year-old’s signature.

The European Champions have a long-standing interest in the player and were linked with a £30 million bid in January.

Chukwueze is a versatile attacker, who is equally capable on either flank and also behind the striker. An increasingly important player for Villarreal, the Yellow Submarines value him at £60 million.

The Nigerian winger has emerged as a regular for Villarreal and has scored four goals and one assist in 24 matches for the Yellow submarines this season. (h/t Whoscored)

The youngster models his game on former Dutch star Arjen Robben and was part of the Nigerian squad that won the Under-17 World Cup in 2015 where he won the Bronze Boot. (h/t FIFA

His performances have seen him shortlisted by UEFA in the 50 for the future list for 2019/20. (h/t UEFA)

An expensive luxury

A telling factor that can work against the player is the organization of the Africa Cup of Nations in January 2021. Liverpool are already set to lose Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita for the tournament.

It is also difficult to see Chukwueze displacing any of Liverpool’s vaunted front three at this moment in time. Spending anything close to £60 million on a back-up is unlikely and the Reds should simply invest elsewhere.

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The 20-year-old has also established himself as a regular in the Nigerian national side. He was won 17 caps for the Super Eagles and has scored two goals. (h/t Whoscored)