Villarreal tell Aston Villa told to cough up €80m if they want to sign Samuel Chukwueze

ENGLISH Premier League giants Aston Villa have been asked to fork out a staggering sum of €80m if they want to sign Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze from Spanish side Villarreal during the summer transfer window.

This season, Chukwueze, 23, has been one of Villarreal's outstanding performers, consequently attracting interest from clubs in the Premier League, La Liga and Italy's Serie A. Aston Villa have maintained an interest in the winger, with AC Milan and Real Madrid rumoured to be potential suitors too.

However, according to Spanish transfer market website Fichajes, interested clubs must meet Chukwueze's release clause. He has a contract with Villarreal until June 30, 2024 but there is a release clause in Chukwueze's contract that would allow him leave in the summer for a fee of €80m.

Reigning European champions Real Madrid are said to be keen but have yet to make a formal offer for Chukwueze.  There has been significant speculation in recent days regarding a potential move to Los Blancos after his man-of-the-match display against Carlo Ancelotti's team when Villarreal beat Real Madrid 3-2 at the Bernebau.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, who assumed office on October 24 last year, once managed Villarreal, where Chukwueze was one of his favourite players. Chukwueze played 94 matches with Mr Emery in the Villarreal dugout, scoring 14 goals and providing 15 assists and it appears that the manager wants to revive their relationship.