Chelsea outcast attracting interest from Barcelona and AC Milan ahead of January transfer window: Reports
Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka is reportedly on Barcelona and AC Milan's radar heading into the January transfer window. The Blues youngster has been an afterthought under new manager Enzo Maresca.
CaughtOffside's Ekrem Konur reports that the Blaugrana and the Rossoneri are exploring the possibility of signing Chukwuemeka. He's made just one appearance this season, a 14-minute cameo in a 4-0 win against EFL League Two outfit Barrow in the Carabao Cup third round.
Chukwuemeka, 20, was linked with a departure in the summer immediately after Maresca's arrival. There was talk of a move to Manchester United, although that never came to fruition.
Maresca has plenty of midfield talents, including Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Kiernan Deswbury-Hall. The England U21 international will have difficulty breaking into the Chelsea first-team.
Barcelona could swoop for the former Aston Villa man to bolster Hansi Flick's midfield options. He's an attacking-minded midfielder who is calm on the ball and boasts good vision.
Chukwuemeka was considered one of English football's most exciting talents at Villa. Two years ago, he left Villa Park for Stamford Bridge in a £20 million deal, but injuries have halted his development.
Barcelona are also reportedly interested in Chelsea's Romeo Lavia
Barcelona also have Chukwuemeka's teammate Romeo Lavia in their sights amid the Belgian midfielder's struggles at Stamford Bridge. He arrived from Southampton in the summer of 2023 for £58 million but has endured a difficult spell.
Lavia, 20, missed all but one game of Chelsea's 2023-24 campaign due to a serious ankle injury. He's since recovered but has appeared just once this season under Maresca.
There was much excitement around Lavia's acquisition, given he's a product of Manchester City's academy. His former Saints teammate Theo Walcott waxed lyrical about the young midfielder last season:
"He is sharp, good on the ball, very good player, one to keep an eye out for many years, I would say."
Barcelona could reportedly swoop for Lavia and Chukwuemeka in a double deal. The Catalans have made an excellent start to the season and may want to add more depth to their midfield.
Lavia's contract at Stamford Bridge has just under five years left. He's a defensive midfielder who works well in tight spaces and is a good passer.
Barca's economic issues have meant they have struggled to afford talent in past transfer windows. Chelsea has yet to name its price for the midfield duo.