Italian Serie A giants AC Milan have expressed confidence that Fulham will exercise the option to sign Samuel Chukwueze on a permanent deal after his loan spell at the club.

The Rossoneri are looking to cash in on the 26-year-old in a deal worth €24 million at the end of the season, should Fulham sign Chukwueze permanently.

After securing a €12 million return from Alex Jimenez’s €24.5 million transfer to Bournemouth, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Milan are expecting a significantly larger income from Chukwueze’s potential transfer.

“Milan are set to earn exactly double what they received from Alex Jimenez’s sale from the permanent transfer of Samu Chukwueze, who is currently on loan at Fulham. The wealth of the Premier League could swell Milan’s coffers by a further €24 million if Samu maintains his strong form in the second half of the season.”

After battling minor injury problems at the beginning of his spell at the London club, Chukwueze has bounced back with impressive performances for Marco Silva’s side.

The former Villarreal winger has scored three goals and provided four assists in all competitions, despite missing several games due to injury and international commitments.

Chukwueze has featured in all Fulham’s Premier League matches since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). He started Fulham’s last two league matches against Manchester United and Everton.

This has given Milan hope that a permanent transfer could be on the cards for Chukwueze at the end of the season.

“Chukwueze can now be considered a regular starter, and Milan are confident that Fulham, currently tenth in the league, will decide to activate the purchase option. There is a strong likelihood that they will,” the report added.

WDN