Premier League clubs are stepping up their efforts to sign Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu after his impressive performances in Turkey, Footynaija reports.
West Ham United and Everton are now among the clubs hoping to bring the 22-year-old to England, according to Fotomac via ScoreNigeria. However, Trabzonspor are making it clear that they will not let him leave for a cheap price. The Turkish club wants between €35 million and €40 million(approx. ₦63bn) before they will even consider selling their defender.
West Ham have already tested Trabzonspor’s resolve with a €30 million offer, but it was turned down immediately. Fulham have also tried their luck earlier in the transfer window, seeing both their €15 million and later €20 million bids rejected. Everton have now joined the race as they search for more quality in defence ahead of the new season.
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Interest in Nwaiwu is not limited to England. German champions Bayer Leverkusen, along with Italian clubs Lazio and Napoli, are also following his situation closely.
The Nigerian defender’s rise has been remarkable. After leaving Nigeria to play for Wolfsberger AC in Austria, he earned a €5.5 million move to Trabzonspor in January. He settled in quickly, scoring three league goals and providing one assist in just 16 matches despite playing in central defence. He also helped Trabzonspor win the Turkish Cup and strengthened his place in the Super Eagles squad with several confident displays.
Although Nwaiwu is believed to be interested in playing in the Premier League, Trabzonspor are in a strong position. The defender signed a four-and-a-half-year contract only six months ago, meaning the club is under no pressure to sell unless a team meets their asking price.
