Surprise Chelsea transfer emerges as Barcelona hatch plan for midfielder with only five starts

Chelsea could reportedly face a battle to keep midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka. The 20-year-old has made a total of 12 appearances for the Blues during his second season at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea signed Chukwuemeka as a prodigious teenager after making waves at Aston Villa and for England age-group sides. He was a key part of a Villa team that won the 2021 FA Youth Cup, leading to a first team breakthrough, before winning the U19 Euros the following summer.

The midfielder made 16 appearances for Villa but Chukweumeka was snapped up by Chelsea for £20m in 2022 after entering the last year of his contract and failing to agree to new terms at Villa Park. The Blues fought off plenty of competition for Chukwuemeka’s signature and are claimed to face a similar situation in the upcoming summer transfer window.

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A report from talkSPORT has stated that Barcelona are preparing to ‘reignite their interest’ in Chukwuemeka amid his lack of regular minutes for Mauricio Pochettino’s side. The Spanish giants were reported to have met with Chukwuemeka’s agents during his time at Villa with suggestions that manager Xavi gave his ‘approval’ to sign the then-teenager in 2022, shortly before arriving at Chelsea.

Chukwuemeka was pivotal in helping the Blues reach the FA Cup semi-final with his dramatic late goal against Leicester City, but the young midfielder was an unused substitute at the weekend. Having started the first two games of the season, injury problems have since forced him to settle for a bit-part role. Barcelona are reportedly looking to ‘take advantage’ of Chelsea’s competition for places by attempting to sign the 20-year-old.

The club signed Chukwuemeka on a six-year deal from Villa and would likely demand a significant fee from any interested clubs. Meanwhile, Chukwuemeka will focus on proving himself to Pochettino and earning regular opportunities as Chelsea target European football in the final weeks of the season.