Arsenal are “ready” to challenge rivals in the race to sign Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze, according to Calciomercato.com.

The Italian website claims that the Gunners, along with Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham and Real Madrid are interested in the Nigerian international, but it is AC Milan who are making the most concerted effort to secure his services.

It is believed that the Rossoneri will contact Chukwueze’s representatives in the “next few days” to get the ball rolling on a potential transfer this summer.

Villarreal are expected to be open to selling, with the player only having a year left on his contract, so it will be interesting to see whether the Gunners do decide to firm up their interest.

Chukwueze does have a release clause

Like all players in La Liga, the 24-year-old does have a buyout clause but, depending on the report you read, the fee could be anything between €50m (£43m) and €100m (£86m).

Considering Chukwueze’s contract situation, it may not end up being too important, with Villarreal simply looking for the highest price possible.

Do Arsenal need a player like Chukwueze?

The winger does possess a great deal of pace, and that is an attribute Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta likes to see in his forwards.

Chukwueze is very much a right winger, cutting in onto his stronger left foot, so he would be a direct competitor for Bukayo Saka. If Arteta does want to take some of the workload off the England international then the Villarreal star would be a good option.

The Nigerian has also been in great form this season, having scored 13 goals and contributed 11 assists in 50 appearances. There is, therefore, no doubt that he would present a goal threat.

With so much competition for Chukwueze and, with the Gunners having transfer priorities in other positions, you do feel that a move to the Emirates remains unlikely.