Klopp threatens Arsenal summer project as Liverpool join race to sign ‘dazzling’ La Liga star; Aston Villa swoop in serious trouble

Mario Hermoso and Samuel Chukwueze

Mario Hermoso and Samuel Chukwueze during Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal

Aston Villa and Arsenal are at risk of losing out on a top La Liga player to Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp’s side joined the race for him, according to a report.

Villa boss Emery has great connections with the Spanish top flight after managing the likes of Valencia, Sevilla and Villarreal in the division previously. And numerous reports have tipped him to complete a raid on his former club Villarreal for winger Samuel Chukwueze.

The 23-year-old is enjoying a fantastic campaign, having registered 13 goals and 11 assists in 42 games so far. And after an incredible recent display against Real Madrid, Arsenal emerged as contenders to land him.

Chukwueze scored two brilliant goals to help Villarreal pick up an impressive 3-2 victory over Real at the Bernabeu. For his first goal, Chukwueze showed great close control to get past Real defender Nacho before finishing into the bottom corner.

And his second strike was even better. The wide man cut inside from the right flank and sent a curling effort into the top corner from outside the box.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo described Chukwueze’s performance as ‘dazzling’ on Friday and revealed how Arsenal have become ‘crazy’ about landing him.

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However, Liverpool have now burst into the race for the Nigerian. As per another Spanish source, Defensa Central, Liverpool are ready to rival Arsenal and Villa to complete a deal for the Villarreal ace.

The report mainly looks at Real and whether they will be able to sign Chukwueze this summer. But Real president Florentino Perez has been told he must ‘move quickly’ as the Premier League contingent of interested clubs are all pushing hard.

Liverpool can sign winger target at half price

Liverpool, Arsenal and Villa have also found out exactly how much the in-form attacker will cost. His Villarreal contract includes a release clause worth a whopping €100million (£88m). But luckily for his potential suitors, Villarreal will not be able to hold out for this much.

Chukwueze’s current deal expires in June 2024 and he has rejected an offer from Villarreal to extend it. Therefore, Chukwueze can be signed for half of his release clause, or €50m (£44m).

In the current market, that represents great value for money. At Villarreal, Chukwueze has shown he can score brilliant solo goals as well as set up his team-mates for strikes of their own.

It is now up to Liverpool, Arsenal and Villa to decide how much they need Chukwueze in their respective squads.

Klopp’s priority is to improve his midfield in the summer. But if he manages to do this and still has money left in the transfer kitty, then a move for Chukwueze could be launched as well.

Mikel Arteta’s main winger options at Arsenal are Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Reiss Nelson. But with Arsenal preparing for their first Champions League campaign in six years next season, they could probably do with adding an electric player such as Chukwueze to their squad.

Despite the interest from Liverpool and Arsenal, it would not be a surprise if Chukwueze actually ended up at Villa. Emery has a great relationship with the player thanks to his spell as Villarreal boss.

Plus, joining Villa does not represent a step down for Chukwueze as Emery has managed to get them to compete for Europa League qualification.

Meanwhile, there has been a major update on Liverpool’s hunt to sign Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig.