Former Nigeria international Ikechukwu Uche has urged rave of the moment Samuel Chukwueze to stay put at Villarreal amidst the ongoing transfer speculation.

 Chukwueze has been in the news in recent weeks, with media reports linking him away from Villarreal following his terrific breakthrough season in Spain.

Capable of playing on either wing, the 19-year-old has caught the attention of several European clubs including Arsenal, Leicester City and Atletico de Madrid.

But Uche who defended the colours of the Yellow Submarines from 2012 to 2014, wants the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup winner to remain at Villarreal and continue his professional football development.

"Chukwueze is doing well at Villarreal so it's only normal to have growing speculation about his future in the media, but he is in a good place," Uche tells BBC Sport.

 "Villarreal is a good club, he is being taken care of and he's surrounded by quality players that will help him grow.

"He should treat all this attention as a compliment and continue to grow because his impressive rise from the reserves to the first team is still fresh."

Likened to his idol Bayern Munich's star Arjen Robben, Chukwuze has appeared 13 times for Villarreal this term, scoring four goals in the Spanish La Liga, Europa League and Spanish Cup.

Described as a jewel by his club coach Luis Garcia, the left-foot pacy winger has one cap for Nigeria's Super Eagles after playing in the 0-0 friendly draw with Uganda in Asaba, Delta state last year.

He joined Villarreal from Nigeria's Diamond Academy in 2017 and made his way to the first team from reserves, where he has been making waves.