Arsenal are reportedly one of three clubs keeping an eye on Villarreal’s 23-year-old winger, Samuel Chukwueze, a player they almost signed seven years ago when they brought Kelechi Nwakali to the club.
In January 2016, it was widely reported that Arsenal had convinced both Samuel Chukwueze and Kelechi Nwakali to reject offers from clubs like Manchester United and Bayern Munich to come to London.
Arsene Wenger, along with Ivan Gazidis, even posed with the pair as they reportedly waited for visas to come through:
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Nwakali arrived at Arsenal first and Chukwueze was expected to join him.
Wages had been agreed, his medical had been passed but, as the months rolled on, there was still no sign of him despite his Nigeria youth international teammate being snapped at Arsenal.
It seems that his club, Diamond Academy, started to wonder if they could get more money for the teenager and, as a result, were stalling on Arsenal, much to the Gunners’ annoyance. The deal then collapsed, despite the player wanting to sign for the club.
In the end, Arsenal paid €3.5m for Nwakali (who is now valued at €700k) while Chukwueze went to Villarreal for €500k.
He is now worth around €20m and Arsenal are said to be interested again.
Chukwueze has three goals and four assists in 20 appearances this season.
His current contract in Spain runs until 2024 and they are said to want in the region of €40m for him.
You can read more about what happened with Kelechi Nwakali here.