Arsenal, Chelsea battle for Samu

Chelsea and Arsenal are reportedly both interested in signing Porto forward Samu Aghehowa during this summer’s transfer window.

The 20-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea from Atletico Madrid last summer, but he ultimately made the switch to Porto, and an excellent campaign to date has seen him score 19 goals and register three assists in 31 appearances.

The Spain international has 13 goals and three assists in 19 league outings this term, while he has managed six goals in nine Europa League appearances, including two against Manchester United earlier in the competition.

According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea are preparing to reignite their interest this summer, but Arsenal are also firmly in the picture, with the Gunners needing to bring in a new striker at the end of the campaign.

The report claims that despite a €100m (£82.5m) release clause existing in his Porto contract, both teams believe that an offer in the region of €50m (£41m) would be accepted by the Portuguese outfit.

Aston Villa and West Ham United are also believed to be interested, although it would be fair to assume that the duo are behind Chelsea and Arsenal when it comes to the race for the attacker’s signature.

Spain are believed to view Samu as a vital part of their plans moving forward, while the striker has shown his quality at a major club this season, following on from the eight goals that he scored on loan at Alaves in La Liga last season.

Towards the end of last year, the youngster admitted that it was “a very difficult summer” due to the uncertainty surrounding his future, with a move to Chelsea breaking down despite the Blues allegedly agreeing a £35m fee with Atletico.

“The gold medal [with Spain U23 at the Olympics] wasn’t so bitter,” he told EFE. “But it was a very difficult summer. When I was in Madrid I had a very bad time. In the end, thank God, everything turned out well. If the Chelsea deal didn’t work out it was for a reason and in the end everything turned out well.

“There – at Atletico Madrid – I trained separately. I didn’t feel involved, not like a footballer. I trained and my head told me no. I had a bad time. I cried a lot at night… my family and my mother had a very bad time… In the end, thank God, everything came together quickly and I made the best decision.

“Nobody spoke to me and I didn’t speak to anyone. I was still an Atletico Madrid player, I had to go to training and do my job. I already knew the club’s position. These are things that happen in football and that make you gain experience and learn for the future.”