Report: West Ham eyeing in-demand 21-year-old who Pablo Fornals expects to 'go to the top'

By Giuseppe Labellarte

West Ham United are one of several Premier League teams reportedly interested in Samuel Chukwueze, according to Spanish outlet La Razon.

The Hammers are allegedly in pursuit of the Villarreal winger, along with Arsenal and Everton, while Atletico Madrid are said to be long-term admirers.

Chukwueze is one of the most exciting young players in La Liga, having made his first-team breakthrough in 2018-19 and impressing from a young age.

(Photo by Jose Miguel Fernandez/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The 21-year-old has struggled at times this season but his form has picked up in recent weeks, starring as Villarreal beat Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League quarter-finals.

Last Sunday, Chukwueze also ended his La Liga goal drought – which began in November – with a brace in a 5-1 hammering of Levante.

At the start of the season, West Ham ace Pablo Fornals named the Nigeria international in a dream XI of his best teammates from past and present.

“Samuel is a winger who is playing for Villarreal,” he said.

“He is only 21, and I expect him to go to the top. As a player, he is similar to Grady Diangana, who is a great young player as well.”

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Chukwueze is an incredibly talented young player who has earned rave reviews for his performances at Villarreal and for Nigeria.

He has already passed the 100-appearance mark for his club, and 18 caps for the Super Eagles at 21 years of age is also testament to his quality.

Admittedly, he’s in demand and he won’t come cheap, but if West Ham make it into the Champions League and make him a top target, maybe Fornals could have a word?