David Sullivan should seal a summer swoop for West Ham United to sign rumoured Arsenal and Everton target Samuel Chukwueze from Villarreal.

What’s the word?

According to reports in Spain, the Irons are ready to spare no expense in efforts to add Chukwueze to David Moyes’ attacking weaponry if the Scottish coach can secure European football at the London Stadium.

West Ham host fourth-placed Chelsea on Saturday with the chance to move above Thomas Tuchel’s side in the Premier League table, after the Blues edged ahead on goal difference when held to a draw by Brighton & Hove Albion.

Chukwueze is expected to consider walking away from the Estadio de la Ceramica at the end of the season amid interest from the Premier League and La Liga, but is protected by a €80m (£69m) release clause.

Atletico Madrid have long held an interest in the 21-year-old, who Villarreal boss Unai Emery lauds for his “individual brilliance”, yet under no circumstances are they willing to active his exit clause.

Los Colchoneros’ position is seen as a positive for West Ham, Arsenal and Everton who are very interested in a deal for the Nigeria international, previously linked with Manchester United, Liverpool, Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

But the Premier League suitors may have to pay Chukwueze's full termination clause, with Villarreal gradually raising the fee needed through a slew of new contracts as the Submarino Amarillo are aware of the scale of his talent and the interest in his services.

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Chukwueze, who has scored four goals and offered seven assists in 36 games across all competitions this season, is under contract with Villarreal until the summer of 2023.

Should West Ham sign Villarreal’s Chukwueze?

Clearly, if West Ham want to sign Chukwueze at the end of the season, Sullivan will need to set a new club record to acquire the 18-cap forward and eclipse the £45m paid to Eintracht Frankfurt for Sebastien Haller in 2019.

Spending close to £70m on Chukwueze would be a sizable gamble for the Hammers to take, with the youngster only offering 16 goals and 16 assists in 115 career appearances for the Submarino Amarillo, but that should not stop Sullivan from exploring a deal.

Chukwueze has earned widespread interest over the years through the induvial brilliance that former Arsenal boss Emery has praised him for displaying this season, even if those moments of magic from the wing have not always resulted in an end product.

The £18m-rated Villarreal product’s lack of a prolific end result is the only predominant trait missing from his developing skill, with Emery claiming after Chukwueze – considered to be one of Europe’s most exciting talents – fired a brace in a 5-1 win over Levante last weekend:

“He’s a footballer with great quality. He has a lot of talent, but he needs to improve in front of goal. Today he put in a great performance and managed to score.”

Chukwueze’s questionable scoring record has also seemingly not caused West Ham to doubt his potential, given the claims that the London Stadium side are willing to spare no expense to secure a transfer.

And with Moyes expected to part with Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko this summer, signing a player with a proven X-factor could be a very exciting way for Sullivan to replenish the Hammers' attacking options.

AND in other news, West Ham have been warned against signing a £10m talent who’s “downed tools” this season…