Journalist Pete O’Rourke has suggested that Unai Emery may rely on ‘previous connections’ to bring Samuel Chukwueze to Aston Villa.
The Villa manager walked away from his post in La Liga to take up the reins at Bodymoor Heath at the start of last month but there has been some suggestion that he could return to his former employers at Villarreal.
Speaking to Football Insider pundit Tam McManus has tipped the 51-year-old to raid the club and players that he knows.
One name that has been linked with a potential reunion is that of Chukwueze who played 94 times under Emery at the Yellow Submarine.
O’Rourke has now stated that the former Arsenal coach could well use that past relationship to cut a deal for the forward.
Speaking to This Is Futbol he said: “I think Unai Emery will be hoping his previous connections with Chukwueze would help him probably persuade him to make the move to Villa Park if Villa do decide to make a move for him.”
TIF Thoughts on Chukwueze and Villa…
Would you like Emery to bring in Chukwueze?
Yes, go for it!
No, look elsewhere.
Dubbed ‘exciting’ by compatriot and former Nigeria midfielder Mutiu Adepoju, Emery will be well aware of the fleet-footed right winger’s talent given how he has recorded more dribbles and more shot-creating actions per 90 minutes than any of his teammates (Fbref) this season.
Under Emery, the £15k-per-week livewire was directly involved in 29 goals which is the most fruitful spell of his career.
If the two were to realign at Villa Park, it could make for tremendous viewing and it will be interesting to see whether the club decides to pursue a deal.