Nigerian duo Chukwueze and Onyekuru linked with Bayern Munich
According to various reports, Nigerian pair Samuel Chukwueze and Henry Onyekuru are being monitored by Bayern Munich.
Uli Hoeness once again confirmed on Tuesday that Bayern Munich will have their busiest transfer window ever this summer. The need for a squad overhaul was once against highlighted last week, after the Bavarians came up short against Liverpool in the Champions League round of 16.
There will be additions made in departments of the squad, but Bayern’s most pressing need is in attack, as both Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery are set to depart at the end of this season. Bayern are reportedly planning to focus on signing younger players to replace these two veterans instead of signing star players from top European clubs.
Everton’s Henry Onyekuru has reportedly emerged as an option for Bayern’s attack. According to Fanatik (via Sport Witness), Hasan Salihamidzic has already contacted Everton’s sporting director to acquire the details of a potential transfer. The Turkish media outlet insists the Nigerian forward would cost around €40 million.
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Onyekuru joined Everton in 2017 but couldn’t stay at the club due to work permit issues. He returned to the Merseyside club after rupturing his ACL during his loan spell at Anderlecht. The Nigerian then joined Galatasaray on loan last summer, as the English club is still struggling to sort out issues with his work permit.
It has been a fruitful season in Turkey for the 21-year-old winger, who has scored 11 goals in the league and created two more for his teammates. Onyekuru primarily operates on the left flank, but he can be also used as a number nine. The English media has previously suggested Bayern Munich have been extensively scouting the Nigerian forward.
Bayern are apparently also keeping a close eye on Onyekuru’s Nigerian teammate Samuel Chukwueze. According to Nigerian media outlet OwngoalNigeria, Bayern have identified Chukwueze as an alternative to Callum Hudson-Odoi. The Bavarians would have to pay around €25 million in order to sign Chukwueze from Villareal in the summer.
Chukwueze has been the sole shining light for Villareal this season. The Spanish side is on the cusp of relegation in La Liga, and it’s unlikely he’ll stay at the club beyond this summer as he has already rejected two new contract proposals. Whereas Onyekuru operates on the left flank, Chukwueze primarily plays on the right and cuts inside on to his left foot. He can also operate in a false nine role, however. He has scored six goals and created two for Villareal across all competitions this season.
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Die Roten tried their best to sign Hudson-Odoi from Chelsea in January, but the English club was unwilling to negotiate for the teenager. The German champions will reportedly go back in for the teenager this summer, but Chelsea’s transfer ban could make things complicated. Beyond that, the Bavarians have been heavily linked with Lille’s Nicolas Pepe and have even submitted a massive offer for the 23-year-old. Bayern are certainly keeping their options open for the wing positions, but Chukwueze and Onyekuru — if the Bavarians are even actually keeping an eye on them — should only be considered backup options for their primary targets.