Villarreal Dangle New Deal for Chukwueze as European Giants Circle

Nigerian rave of the moment Samuel Chukwueze has got Villarreal scrambling for a new deal after a series of devastating displays in La Liga.

According to Marca via fichajes.com, the Yellow Submarine are set to begin contract talks with the Nigerian international in a bid to fend off interest from the English Premier League and other unnamed clubs in Europe.

Although the identities of the Premier League clubs have not been revealed, the report says Arsenal are long-time admirers of the winger while Leicester City are his other suitor in England.

The 2015 U17 World Cup winner cost Villarreal 500,000 euros when he joined the club from Diamond Academy and currently has a release clause of 40 million euros.

Chukwueze has become one of the hottest teenagers in world football on the back of his matured displays for Villarreal, for whom he has made 29 appearances, scoring seven goals (three assists).

Recently named the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Young Player of the Year, he increased his burgeoning reputation with a goal and assist in Villarreal’s thrilling 4-4 draw with Barcelona on Tuesday night – where he tormented the Barca backline all night.

He has scored four goals in 19 Spanish LaLiga appearances this season, and has his sights on more.

“It serves as a motivation to keep working hard for more success,” Chukwueze told BBC Sport after receiving the NFF-AITEO award.

“I’m very motivated and inspired by this, because it is unbelievable. Everything happening still seems like a dream.

“I have dreams of playing for my country in big tournaments and this shows that if I put more effort into my career, personal and team rewards will follow.”

Nigeria will be banking on Chukwueze, who made his debut for the Super Eagles in November, to power them to Africa Cup of Nations glory in Egypt.