Current Situation: Is Arsenal plotting a January move for Chukwueze to replace Saka?

Super Eagles and AC Milan attacker Samuel Chukwueze has once again been linked with a move to the English Premier League, Soccernet.ng reports. This time, reports circulating in local and international media suggest that the former Villarreal forward has been identified as a potential backup option to replace the injured Bukayo Saka. The British-Nigerian winger […]

Dec 29, 2024 - 20:00

Current Situation: Is Arsenal plotting a January move for Chukwueze to replace Saka?

Super Eagles and AC Milan attacker Samuel Chukwueze has once again been linked with a move to the English Premier League, Soccernet.ng reports.

This time, reports circulating in local and international media suggest that the former Villarreal forward has been identified as a potential backup option to replace the injured Bukayo Saka.

The British-Nigerian winger was substituted during Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace, and after undergoing surgery, his manager, Mikel Arteta, confirmed that Saka will be sidelined for several weeks.

Crystal Palace v Arsenal, London, UK – 21 Dec 2024 Bukayo Saka of Arsenal warms up before the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal [Photo credit/ Imago]

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As the January transfer window approaches, Chukwueze—who has struggled for playing time at AC Milan—has been linked with a potential switch to the Emirates Stadium.

Will Chukwueze Join Arsenal?

Soccernet.ng understands that the reports linking Chukwueze to Arsenal currently lack credible or verified backing at the moment.

However, if the move materialises, Chukwueze would follow in the footsteps of former Super Eagles stars Kanu Nwankwo and Alex Iwobi, who also wore Arsenal’s iconic red and white.

Replacing the injured Saka, who is expected to be out for “many weeks,” as confirmed by Arteta, could offer Chukwueze a chance to rediscover his form with more game time.

Chukwueze at AC Milan

The 25-year-old winger joined AC Milan in the 2023 summer transfer window. Since then, he has struggled to make a significant impact, scoring only six goals and providing four assists in 54 appearances across all competitions.

This has seen him drop down the pecking order, with Yunus Musah and Christian Pulisic preferred for the right-wing position.

Samuel Chukwueze of AC Milan seen in action during Serie A 2024/25 football match between AC Milan and Genoa CFC [Photo credit/Imago]

Chukwueze has started eight Serie A games and come off the bench 16 times this season. In the UEFA Champions League, he has started just once, against Bayer Leverkusen, and has been substituted three times in six appearances.

Given his limited playing time, Chukwueze has been linked with several clubs looking to strengthen their squads in January.

Chukwueze Offered to Besiktas

The Super Eagles winger has also reportedly been linked with a move to Turkey, where he could reunite with his close friend Victor Osimhen. Reports suggest Chukwueze has been offered to 16-time Turkish champions Besiktas.

If these reports hold true, Arsenal, Besiktas, and Aston Villa may find themselves competing for the signature of the pacey Nigerian winger in the upcoming transfer window.