Italian football powerhouse, AC Milan, have reportedly turned down a bid from Spanish side Real Betis for Super Eagles forward, Samuel Chukwueze.
Chukwueze, 26, had a largely disappointing campaign last season, netting only three goals and providing two assists in 26 Serie A appearances.
As a result, the Rossoneri are now open to offloading the winger should a suitable offer come in this summer.
However, Milan are said to be facing a tricky situation regarding offers for Chukwueze, especially as they also aim to cash in on high-profile players like Ismael Bennacer and Theo Hernandez.
Having ended the Serie A season in eighth place, Milan failed to secure any European competition spots for the coming year, prompting the club to reconsider its financial strategy and player assets.
According to Football Italia, Milan may be missing out on significant transfer revenue from the potential exits of Victor Osimhen targets, Bennacer, and Hernandez, as clubs are reportedly tabling offers far below expectations.
“Milan are facing problems, as Olympique Marseille won’t pay the Ismael Bennacer option, while Atletico Madrid offers for Theo Hernandez and Betis for Samuel Chukwueze are too low,” Football Italia stated. “Though Tijjani Reijnders is on his way to Manchester City, they were still hoping to bring in some fresh revenue with other player sales.
“The first was Bennacer, who had an option to buy for €12m which Olympique Marseille are not prepared to pay.”
“Sport Italia transfer pundit Gianluca Di Marzio warns that the opening Atletico Madrid offer for Theo Hernandez is only €15m, considerably lower than they were hoping for.
“Chukwueze is also on his way out, but negotiations with Real Betis are still at very early stages.
“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,” the report noted.
As it stands, Milan’s hopes of raising substantial funds through player sales could be dashed if clubs continue to undervalue their top talents.
