AC Milan’s hopes of raising significant funds through player sales have hit early roadblocks, with negotiations over Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze stalling.
Following a disappointing 2024/25 campaign that ended with an eighth-place finish and no European football, Milan are aiming to reduce their wage bill and increase revenue. However, they have yet to receive acceptable offers for several key players, including Chukwueze.
While Tijjani Reijnders is set to join Manchester City, other expected sales have proven difficult. Olympique Marseille have declined to activate the purchase option for Ismael Bennacer, and the offers for Theo Hernandez from Atletico Madrid and for Chukwueze from Real Betis are well below Milan’s expectations.
Talks with Real Betis for the 26-year-old winger remain at an early stage. According to One Football, the Spanish side’s interest does not currently match the €21.1 million fee—plus up to €7 million in bonuses—that Milan paid Villarreal for Chukwueze in 2023.
Club sources had hoped that Chukwueze’s market appeal and attacking qualities would attract stronger bids. However, Betis’ current valuation reportedly falls short, complicating Milan’s plans to generate income from outgoing transfers this summer.
“Chukwueze is also on his way out, but negotiations with Real Betis are still at very early stages,” One Football reported.
“It is unlikely to match the €21.1m plus up to €7m in add-ons that the Rossoneri paid to sign him from Villarreal in 2023.”
Chukwueze struggled for consistency during the Serie A season, starting only nine of his 26 league appearances. He scored three goals and provided two assists, averaging 36 minutes per game. He also created five big chances and averaged one key pass per match, scoring a goal every 316 minutes.
Though mostly used as an impact substitute, Chukwueze showcased flashes of the speed and direct dribbling that made him a standout at Villarreal. Two of his goals came from his preferred left foot, with one scored via a rare header. His passing accuracy stood at 84 per cent, with a modest 9 per cent goal conversion rate.
Despite these numbers, Milan still regard Chukwueze as a valuable asset and are reluctant to part with him without a fair return on their investment.
