Chukwueze Emerges As Saka Replacement At Arsenal

According to a UK publication, Sportwitness, English Premier League giants Arsenal have identified Nigeria international Samuel Chukwueze as a potential replacement for injured England international, Bukayo Saka.

Saka suffered a hamstring injury in Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace and is expected to be out of action for a significant period.

The England international lasted less than 25 minutes at Selhurst Park before going down with a hamstring injury. He was unable to continue after receiving treatment and was even seen leaving the stadium on crutches after the match.

Saka could now be absent for around two months, though the report notes that the England star would have required surgery had he torn his hamstring from the bone. That would have ruled him out for around six months.

While Arsenal will be relieved that is not the case, they will still be without one of their most influential players during a crucial period of the season.

With the 23-year-old expected to be out until at least February, Sportswitness wrote that Mikel Arteta is considering signing Chukwueze who was recently linked with a move to Aston Villa.

“Last week, Aston Villa had emerged as a suitor for AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze. It now seems as if Arsenal could also become a potential destination for the Nigerian,” the website wrote.

“This comes from MilanLive, who assess the winger’s situation and they believe that Arsenal is the most ‘interesting option’ for the 25-year-old.

“With Bukayo Saka out injured the Gunners want to bring in an attacker that can cover for the England international. Chukwueze is a possible option to fill the gap on the right wing. Profiles are being considered and the Milan man could emerge as a target.”

Aston Villa remain in the running and the winger could reunite with Unai Emery at Villa Park, with the pair having worked together at Villarreal.

Along with Arsenal and Aston Villa, the report mentions that a return to La Liga can also become a possibility. No offers have arrived for the Nigeria international yet but that can change soon, with Milan hoping to recoup the €20m plus €8m fee they paid for him in the summer of 2023.

The feeling is that an exit from the San Siro will present a possible solution for Chukwueze’s future.