Fulham remain in the race with Turkish side Trabzonspor over the signing of Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, but a significant gap in valuation means the proposed transfer is hanging in the balance, Footy-Africa can exclusively report.
Sources close to the negotiations have informed Footy-Africa that while talks between the two clubs remain in contact, an agreement on the transfer fee has yet to be reached.
Fulham are understood to have submitted an offer worth around €18 million, but Trabzonspor are holding out for a fee closer to €30 million, leaving the two clubs some distance apart in negotiations.
Footy-Africa understands that Nwaiwu is hopeful of securing a move to Craven Cottage and is optimistic that a positive outcome can be reached about his future in the coming days. However, he’s calm and not ready to force the move.
Chibuike Nwaiwu to learn Trabzonspor future amid Fulham interest
The 22-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise since joining Trabzonspor from Nigerian side Enyimba for €7 million in January. He has quickly established himself as one of the Turkish club’s most important players, prompting Trabzonspor to initially rule out the possibility of selling him.
With four years still remaining on his contract, the Turkish side are under no pressure to cash in and remain determined to receive a fee they believe reflects the defender’s growing value.
Nwaiwu’s performances have also attracted interest from elsewhere in the Premier League, with Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, and Tottenham Hotspur all reported to be monitoring his situation.
Despite that competition, Fulham remain firmly in the race and continue to push for an agreement, Footy-Africa understood.
However, it seems Fulham will have to improve on their current €18 million offer, for the deal to be concluded. As things stand, negotiations remain delicately poised, with the outcome expected to become clearer over the coming days.
