Arsenal planning January move for "ridiculous" player who "tortures" defenders

Arsenal are reportedly keen on the signing of Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze in January.

The Gunners want to add a winger to their squad in order to provide competition for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

Among the players linked to Arsenal in recent months include Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk and Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha.

But Zaha would likely be a summer move, given that his contract expires in June, when the Gunners could acquire his services on a free transfer.

Mudryk, meanwhile, has been the subject of concrete interest from the Gunners, as Shakhtar deputy sporting director Carlo Nicolini told Calciomercato last month.

The other sticking point with that particular deal is that the Ukrainian side want €100 million for the player, which may price Arsenal out of a move.

One player that could sign at a cheaper cost, however, is Chukwueze.

Arsenal linked with Samuel Chukwueze

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Arsenal are one of the many clubs interested in signing the Villarreal winger.

At the age of 23, Chukwueze has already made over 130 appearances for the 'Yellow Submarine', helping them to Europa League glory in 2021.

This season, he has netted three goals in seven games in the Europa Conference League, as well as providing three assists.

Predominantly a left-footed winger, the Nigeria international is highly skilled at cutting inside from the right flank, making him a nightmare for defenders to deal with.

ESPN journalist David Cartlidge described Chukwueze as a 'ridiculous' player in 2019 due to his talents, and noted how he 'terrorises' defences.

He was impressive under the stewardship of Unai Emery, who managed him at Villarreal from 2019 until his departure from the club last month to take over at Aston Villa.

And Fichajes claim that the Spaniard is desperate to reunite with his former player at Villa Park, with the winger one of the club's main transfer priorities in January.

If Mikel Arteta's Gunners do want the player, they may need to act fast.