Transfer News: Liverpool and Everton to battle it out for Samuel Chukwueze

According to La Razon via The Athletic (h/t Liverpool Echo), Liverpool and Everton are set to go up against each other in the race for Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze.

The 22-year-old is one of the best young players in the Spanish flight and has often given fleeting glimpses of his immense potential. Chukwueze is a versatile attacker, who is equally capable on either flank and also behind the striker. An increasingly important player for Villarreal, he has a release clause worth £68m.

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 also saw him shortlisted by UEFA in the 50 for the future list for 2019/20. (h/t UEFA)

Liverpool and Everton are set to go up against each other in the race for Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze — Liverpool and keen on Samuel Chukwueze

Everton are set for a pivotal summer after parting ways with Carlo Ancelotti. Former Reds favourite Rafael Benitez has since taken over and now is set to go up against the Reds for Chukwueze.

The Toffees have already brought in Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray. While the duo will offer them depth, adding Chukwueze wouldn’t just be a statement but also amplify the attacking options at Benitez’s disposal.

Liverpool too are in the market for an attacker and could make a move for the young Nigerian. While he remains a diamond in the rough, there is enough to suggest that he could become an asset for us in the years to come.

While Villarreal may not be against selling the player, it remains to be seen if they will insist that his release clause is met. More so, the Spaniards’ ability to bring in a replacement is something that could come into play.

The Yellow Submarine have already bid £15m for Bournemouth frontman Arnaut Danjuma and are also looking at Schalke’s Amine Harit as a fallback option. Whether landing either player will pave the way for Liverpool to make their move remains to be seen.

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One factor that Liverpool must take into account is Chukwueze’s heritage as African. A full international for Nigeria, he could be yet another star who could go missing should the African Cup of Nations resume in its usual timeframe. Losing Chukwuze alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane will leave our attack down to its bare bones.