Premier League side plot surprise move for Chelsea star Carney Chukwuemeka: Reports
Crystal Palace are hoping to lodge an offer of over £20 million to sign Chelsea star Carney Chukwuemeka, as per journalist Alan Nixon.
Chukwuemeka, who joined the Blues from Aston Villa in a transfer worth up to £20 million in 2022, is currently regarded as a fringe option at his club. The 20-year-old has started just four of his 27 appearances across competitions, scoring two goals for the Blues so far.
Should Chukwuemeka seal a permanent switch to Crystal Palace this summer, he could prove to be a good addition to their squad. He would offer competition to the likes of Eberechi Eze and Daichi Kamada.
Meanwhile, Chelsea could be open to selling the English midfielder in the ongoing transfer window. They boast great midfield depth, especially after roping in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from newly promoted Premier League club Leicester City for a sum of £30 million in July.
Chelsea star excited to begin new season
Speaking to club media, Chelsea attacker Raheem Sterling shared his thoughts on his side's growth under new head coach Enzo Maresca in the pre-season. He said:
"He's come in and stamped his authority with the way he wants to play. Yes, some of the results haven't been pleasing to the eye, but with the ball, the right information is getting passed on. You can see the patterns that are coming through. It's early days but you can definitely see where we are looking to go and the way we are trying to play."
Remaining upbeat about the Blues' future, the 29-year-old concluded:
"With this way in the early stages, mistakes are made. Some games it cost us, but the manager is highlighting what we can do better. It's a learning process for the whole group and it's one we are grasping really quickly. The Premier League is coming real soon and I do think it's good times ahead."
Opening up on how he is changing his game, the Englishman added:
"I'm focused on really trying to help the team in all the ways I can, not just on the ball but off the ball as well. That's very important as a collective. We need to do that to win matches. We have got some great players and we just need to gel that all together."
So far, Chelsea have won just one of their five pre-season matches.
Chelsea will open their 2024-25 Premier League season with a home clash against champions Manchester City next Sunday (August 18).