Liverpool and Manchester City are both interested in signing highly-rated Villarreal youngster Samuel Chukwueze.
The 19-year-old has risen to prominence after enjoying a breakthrough season in Spain, scoring five times in 24 La Liga appearances, as well as netting during the Yellow Submarine's run to the Europa League quarter-finals.
His performances have reportedly peaked both the interest of Liverpool and City, with MailOnline Sport reporting that the Premier League title rivals are considering a summer bid for Chekwueze, after indifferent campaigns for both Xherdan Shaqiri and Riyad Mahrez.
They face competition for his signature, however, with the report going on to claim that Arsenal, Leicester, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid are also interested - with Unai Emery's Gunners missing out on his signature three years ago because of work permit issues.
Known as Samu, the Nigerian has been a rare bright spark in an otherwise disappointing season for the Spanish side. His first goal, against Rayo Vallecano, saw him become the fourth youngest La Liga scorer ever, while he also netted in Villarreal's Europa League campaign.
His pacey, tricky playing style and eye for goal has already seen him compared to Bayern Munich legend Arjen Robben, with Chukweuze, like the Dutchman, often starting on the right hand side for Villarreal, cutting in on his stronger left foot to create chances and take shots.
He has already earned a senior international cap with Nigeria, and picked up the Nigerian Football Federation award for 2018 Young Player of the Year in April. He is unlikely, though, to be included in the senior squad for this summer's Africa Cup of Nations.
Chukwueze's contract at Villarreal contains a £54m release clause, but the Yellow Submarine would likely accept a lower upfront payment with guaranteed bonuses. Any potential sale will land the La Liga strugglers a huge profit should he leave, with Chukwueze joining for just £430,000 last year.
Source : 90min