It’s now a matter of formality before Villarreal’s quicksilver forward Samuel Chukwueze becomes the latest AC Milan signing.
According to Sky Sports Italia, only the final details are missing before the 24-year-old receives the go-ahead from the Yellow Submarine to travel to Italy for medical examinations.
In separate talks, the Italians have sanctioned Matteo Gabbia’s move to the Estadio de la Ceramica to sweeten the deal for Chukwueze, who’s on the brink of becoming their eighth summer addition.
Stefano Pioli’s fringe defender has already left the Milan camp in the United States to join Villarreal, with the Nigerian winger expected to head in the opposite direction by the end of the business week.
Chukwueze’s contract in the province of Castellon was due to expire at the end of next season, but the Spaniards have still secured a substantial fee from his sale.
Milan will pay around €20 million upfront plus an additional €8m in various performance-related add-ons, with the player set to sign a five-year contract.
During his five-year stint with Villarreal’s senior squad, Chukwueze made over 150 La Liga appearances, establishing himself as one of the division’s best-performing forwards.
Since he doesn’t have a European passport, the left-footed winger will fill the final non-EU spot at San Siro after Christian Pulisic occupied the first upon his arrival from Chelsea.
Pulisic and Chukwueze are not Rossoneri’s only attacking reinforcements this summer.
Luka Romero has arrived on a Bosman deal after running down his contract at Lazio, while Noah Okafor teamed up with Pioli’s troops last week after three years at RB Salzburg.
Chukwueze’s arrival could expedite Ante Rebic’s departure, even though the 29-year-old seems reluctant to leave Milan despite falling out of favour with Pioli.
The Croatian forward has turned down a massive contract offer from Saudi Arabia, but the Nigerian’s expected transfer should change his mind.
