Chelsea slap £40m price tag on midfield star amid Premier League interests: Reports
Chelsea want £40m to part ways with Carney Chukwuemeka, according to GIVEMESPORT via The Hard Tackle. The English midfielder is apparently a target for West Ham United, but the Hammer are not expected to match the Blues' price tag.
Chukwuemeka has struggled for chances this season at Stamford Bridge, registering just five appearances across competitions. Only one of them was from the start and the 21-year-old is yet to feature in Enzo Maresca's Matchday squad in the Premier League.
It is clear that the player has reached the end of the line with the London giants. Chukwuemeka is expected to be on the move either in January or next summer as he seeks regular game time.
Chelsea don't appear to have him in their plans, but want a modest fee to let the player go. The Blues are well stocked in the middle of the park, so the Englishman's situation isn't expected to change any time soon.
Meanwhile, West Ham are currently 14th in the Premier League after 16 games. Julen Lopetegui is looking for midfield reinforcements and has apparently set his sights on Chukwuemeka.
The Englishman could be open to a move across London as it could guarantee him regular game time. However, he is under contract with Chelsea until 2028, so the Blues will hold the upper hand in any negotiations.
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Former England striker Darren Bent has advised Chelsea to target Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez. The Argentinean custodian has achieved tremendous success with the national team and has also be in good form with the Villans.
Meanwhile, the Blues could be tempted to sign a new goalkeeper amid Robert Sanchez's poor form. Enzo Maresca's team have been outstanding this season and are second in the league table after 16 games.
However, Sanchez has struggled to impress, registering just three clean sheets in 15 games. The goalkeeping position remains the weak link in Maresca's team and the Italian manager could look for reinforcements next year.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Bent suggested that the London giants could target Martinez if Villa fail to qualify for Champions League next season.
“I wonder if they don’t get the Champions League, I know he signed a new contract, but could he go? He could play for any team he wanted to, Chelsea could get him,” said Bent.
Recent reports have suggested that Maresca has his eyes on Borussia Dortmund's Gregor Kobel.