Tom Weber
Tom Weber
Updated: 18 Dec 2024 20:39 GMT
3 min read
Carney Chukwuemeka, Chelsea, 2024/25
© IMAGO
Chelsea are open to letting Carney Chukwuemeka go in January, but signing him will require a hefty outlay, according to a report.
The 21-year-old continues to be the subject of rampant speculation as he is among the most likely players to leave Chelsea in January. Chukwuemeka, after failing to secure a summer transfer, has barely featured under Enzo Maresca.
The Austria-born English youth international is competing for an attacking midfield spot with some of Chelsea's best players and has so far failed to make any gains in this uphill battle.
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As a result, Chelsea are open to letting him go in January, according to Ben Jacobs. However, he states that the Blues still rate him highly and are demanding as much as €48 million - the amount of his release clause - to sanction a permanent exit.
Given Chukwuemeka's lack of minutes since joining in 2022, it is highly unlikely that any club will pay this fee, especially in January.
Carney Chukwuemeka
© IMAGO - Carney Chukwuemeka
What next for Chukwuemeka?
Jacobs states that AC Milan are a club to keep an eye on for the winter, echoing reports from Italy, although not going so far as to suggest that the player has already agreed a move to the Rossoneri.
Milan, however, are keen on securing a loan with an option to buy, which, it seems, still does not really appeal to Chelsea, who previously demanded that Chukwuemeka only leave on a permanent deal.
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Additionally, Jacobs has played down suggestions that Chelsea could be set for a defensive exodus in January, dismissing speculation surrounding the likes of Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi and Tosin Adarabioyo - as well as midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
The only other player expected to leave Chelsea in the winter is out-of-favour Ben Chilwell, although Man Utd are unlikely to reignite their brief interest from the summer.