Interest in on-loan AC Milan forward Samuel Chukwueze continues to rise in England, with West Ham United planning to rival his current club, Fulham, for his signature in the summer.

Chukwueze moved from Italy to England in the summer after joining Fulham on loan with an option to buy.

The move followed a difficult two-season spell at Milan after the Nigerian international joined the Rossoneri from Spanish side Villarreal in the summer transfer window of 2023 for a fee of €20m. Chukwueze endured a mixed 2024/25 campaign in Italy, making 26 Serie A appearances but starting only nine matches, accumulating 918 minutes while recording three goals and two assists.

However, since moving to England, he has enjoyed a fine run of form, contributing three goals and four assists in 12 Premier League appearances, despite missing some games due to AFCON commitments.

West Ham, under Nuno Espírito Santo, used the winter market to reshape his squad, bringing in five new faces as he looks to drag the Hammers away from danger. However, it appears they are already laying the groundwork for what comes next — and Chukwueze has emerged as their target ahead of the summer.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, West Ham have made an initial enquiry over a potential move for Chukwueze.

The report claims the Hammers have asked about the Nigerian winger’s situation ahead of the summer transfer window, but they will have to rival his current team, Fulham, as well as Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, who are all said to be monitoring developments closely.

Chukwueze remains contracted to AC Milan, but the Italian giants are open to selling if their valuation is met. The Serie A giants are reportedly seeking between £21.7m and £26m for the wide man.

PUNCH Sports Extra also reported that Milan are confident Fulham will exercise its option to sign the 26-year-old.

The Italian champions are increasingly focused on generating revenue from players loaned out with purchase clauses attached, and Chukwueze is viewed as a major potential source of income.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Milan are already guaranteed a €12m return from Alex Jimenez’s €24.5m transfer to Bournemouth, with the club expecting a far larger windfall from Samu Chukwueze’s situation.