Nigeria star set for permanent Premier League stay as Milan and Fulham watch on

Italian giants AC Milan believe Nigeria international Samuel Chukwueze’s loan spell in England is on course to turn into a full transfer, Afrik-Foot reports.

The former Serie A champions are growing in confidence that Fulham will trigger their purchase option at the end of the season for the forward, who bronze medal with Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the Rossoneri are preparing for the winger’s departure, viewing the potential €24m deal as one of their most valuable outgoing moves of the summer window.

Within Milan’s hierarchy, there is a strong feeling that Fulham’s stance will harden into commitment if Chukwueze maintains his current momentum during the closing months of the campaign.

Samuel Chukwueze over his last six Premier League appearances:

⚽️ Three goals
🅰️ Three assists

He gets the equaliser for @FulhamFC against Brighton 🌟 pic.twitter.com/AhddJLNP61

— Premier League (@premierleague) January 24, 2026

The Nigeria international’s switch to the Premier League initially came with question marks after injury interruptions and international duty slowed his rhythm. However, his impact has gradually grown, reshaping perceptions around his future.

Chukwueze’s combination of speed, direct dribbling and improved decision-making has begun to suit Fulham’s attacking structure, giving Marco Silva’s side a sharper edge on the flanks.

Samuel Chukwueze: From Milan to Fulham permanent?

The 26-year-old has produced three goals and four assists across competitions, despite missing a sizeable portion of the season while representing Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles finished third.

That tournament absence ruled him out of six league fixtures, a disruption that briefly stalled his adaptation to English football.

Since returning, however, Chukwueze has quickly re-established himself in Fulham’s plans. He has featured three more times and earned starts in demanding Premier League encounters against Manchester United and Everton.

Those selections have confirmed his growing importance in Silva’s squad, with the winger now seen as a dependable attacking option rather than a rotational figure.

Fulham currently sit tenth on the Premier League table after claiming ten wins and four draws from 25 matches. The Craven Cottagers face Man City on Wednesday looking to end a run of defeats against Man United and Everton.