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Chelsea outcast offered career lifeline as surprise Premier League club plots January swoop: Reports

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Chelsea are looking to offload Carney Chukwuemeka in the January transfer window, according to reports. West Ham United are interested in securing the midfielder's services.

The Blues signed Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa in 2022 for a reported fee in the region of £20 million. The English midfielder has struggled to establish himself at Stamford Bridge, making just 32 appearances since his arrival.

Multiple reports suggest that an exit is imminent for the 21-year-old, with Blues boss Enzo Maresca giving his seal of approval. According to Caught Offside, Maresca feels a move away would be the best decision for Chukwuemeka's career.

Although he rates the midfielder, Maresca does not want to stunt his development with a lack of playing time. The report claims that while Chelsea would be open to a loan exit in January, a permanent transfer could be completed for the right offer.

West Ham currently lead the race to secure his signature, with Crystal Palace understood to be monitoring his situation as well. Chukwuemeka has also attracted interest from other clubs in Europe, including Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, Napoli, and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Chukwuemeka signed for the Blues on a six-year deal, with his current contract expiring in 2028. However, a departure from Stamford Bridge seems more likely, especially with Chelsea looking to downsize their squad and make room for new signings under Maresca.

"Could be the best deal ever" - Glen Johnson heaps praise on Chelsea summer signing

Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has lavished praise on Jadon Sancho. The pundit cannot believe Manchester United let go of the England international.

After falling out with Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford last year, Sancho moved to Borussia Dortmund on loan in January, helping them reach the Champions League final last season.

He then secured a season-long loan to Stamford Bridge in the summer and his contract stipulates an obligation to buy for a fee of around £20 million to £25 million next year.

Johnson believes this would be an absolute bargain for Chelsea, insisting that Manchester United have gotten the short end of the stick in that deal. The pundit said (via Metro):

"Jadon Sancho’s move from Manchester United looks like a completely one-sided deal. These days, £23 million for a player like that, it’s like giving him away."

"What he’s done in the last few weeks is what we know he’s capable of, but he just needs to do it more often. He looks like he’s enjoying himself and that’s why he’s putting in performances, so the manager and his backroom staff deserve credit too because these players that weren’t performing are now."

"Getting Jadon to perform at a cost of £23m could be the best deal ever."

Chelsea will next be seen in action in the UEFA Conference League against Shamrock Rovers on Thursday, December 19.

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