Real Madrid may be hesitant to sign Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze this summer due to his injury history, according to a report from Spanish news source Fichajes.

Real Madrid are reportedly interested in securing the services of the talented Nigerian winger, however, there is some concern from the Bernabeu hierarchy about the player’s physical condition.

The Merengues are wary to trigger Samuel Chukwueze’s €80m release clause due to the possibility of another costly signing being sidelined for extended periods, as has been the cases of Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard.

In February 2019, he took ill and was out for an entire year, missing 48 matches.

The Yellow Submarine were also without Chukwueze’s services for eight matches following a groin injury he sustained on January 16, 2021, which ruled him out of football for a month.

On May 7, 2021, the winger suffered a hamstring injury that ruled him out for over 3 months, missing 15 matches, before he returned on October 15, 2021.

“The Nigerian striker is well-liked at the Santiago Bernabéu, but there are several members of the sports management who would question his signing due to his physical condition,” the website wrote.

“Chukwueze went through a period of serious injuries, including relapses, which caused him to miss 30 games, this has set off alarm bells at the Bernabéu, who do not want the ordeal of injuries to Gareth Bale or Eden Hazard to be repeated.”

In an impressive performance against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, he scored two goals and provided an assist as his side shocked the champions in a 3-2 win.

His current contract with Villarreal will end in the summer of 2024, leading to speculations that he is looking for a move to a bigger club that can compete for titles and participate in the UEFA Champions League.

AC Milan have allegedly expressed an interest in signing him in the next transfer window.