Villarreal CEO Roig Negueroles confesses they may well be ‘forced to sell’ Milan transfer target Samuel Chukwueze in order to balance the books, but also warn they ‘don’t feel threatened’ by his contract situation.
The winger has emerged as the main target for the new hierarchy in charge of the club, since Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara were pushed out, transforming their transfer strategy.
“We don’t want to do anything drastic, but if we don’t lower the wage bill, we are forced to make a profit from sales,” Negueroles told Spanish newspaper Diario AS.
“It is not an ideal situation and it’s never good to be forced to sell, but at the same time, we don’t want to sell anyone below their real value.”
The Villarreal chief was asked specifically about the situation with Chukwueze, who is only under contract at the club until June 2024.
“Samu is an extraordinary lad who has been with us for many years. It’s true that he would be enthusiastic at playing for a big club in Europe, and if this option were to be presented, we would sit down at a table and negotiate.
“However, we must see if it is an advantageous offer for all parties and so far we have not received any offers. He has one more year on his contract, which is a long time. We have always said, if nothing good comes in, he will not be sold and we don’t feel threatened by the player or his entourage with the contract running down.”
The 24-year-old is a Nigeria international with 27 senior caps, who can play on the right or the left side of an attacking trident.
This season, Chukwueke contributed 13 goals and 11 assists in 50 competitive appearances for Villarreal.