West Ham could sign Chelsea attacking midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka for as little as €25m (£20m), according to Caught Offside.
The website reports that the Blues are open to offloading the player on a permanent basis if they receive the right offer.
Chukwuemeka’s limited game time has prompted speculation about a potential loan switch during the January transfer window.
Most Read on Hammers Headlines
However, it appears that the 21-year-old could be sold next month, with the Hammers among his potential suitors.
Chukwuemeka has found minutes hard to come by
The midfielder joined Chelsea from Aston Villa for £20m at the start of last season, but he only made 12 appearances under Mauricio Pochettino due to various injuries. He picked up knee and ankle problems that kept him out for most of the campaign.
Chukwuemeka has been fit since the arrival of Enzo Maresca as head coach in the summer but the Italian doesn’t see him as an integral member of his team.
He has not made the matchday squad for a league match this season, with his only appearances coming in the Conference League and the Carabao Cup.
West Ham will face competition for player’s signature
Caught Offside claim that Chukwuemeka’s availability is attracting the attention of several teams both in the Premier League and abroad. The likes of Crystal Palace, Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, Napoli and Eintracht Frankfurt are all said to be keen, in addition to the Irons.
A lot may depend on the player and where he sees his future. It doesn’t look like he will get much of a chance if he stays at Stamford Bridge, considering his lack of minutes under Maresca, but he may be attracted to the idea of moving across the city to the London Stadium.
Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here