AC Milan made another offer for the Nigerian international, with the Chelsea winger as an alternative.
Rossoneri boss Pioli is hoping to find the right partner for Portuguese Leo in the transfer market this summer to balance the attacking strength of the two wings. Belgium international Salemarkles and Brazilian Messias have both been officially put up for sale by club management to listen to suitable offers and free up space in the squad.
Nigeria international Cukueadze is Pioli's side's first choice on the right wing, and the 24-year-old has played a combined 48 games for La Liga powerhouse Villarreal over the past season, starting 37 of them and scoring 13 goals and 10 assists. He has excellent dribbling ability on the pitch and can often deliver deadly teleportations to his teammates.
The Yellow Submarine fetched €25 million for him, but it was clearly high for the winger, who had only one final year left on his contract. In fact, Premier League side Everton offered it a transfer fee of around 20 million euros in the winter transfer window early last year, and the two clubs were close to agreeing. If the Rossoneri can make a close offer this summer, I believe there will be more room for negotiation.
According to Italian media reports, AC Milan's first offer for the player was not accepted. But they are not going to give up and want to try to attack again in the transfer market, with a total transaction including the terms of the prize money for around 18 million euros to recruit the excellent attacker from Villarreal's own academy to the San Siro Stadium.
Negotiations will continue in the coming period, with AC Milan's management hoping to finalize new signings for the squad as soon as possible. If the attacking Villarreal player is not brought in, the Rossoneri will turn their attention to US international Christian Christian Pulisic, who has been added to the list for sale.
