Chelsea are reportedly in direct talks with Borussia Dortmund to offload Carney Chukwuemeka this summer.
The 21-year-old joined from Aston Villa in the summer of 2022 and has made 32 appearances for the London club.
The midfielder was loaned to Dortmund during the 2025 January transfer window, where he made a strong impact, making 16 appearances.
Chukwuemeka came on for the last 15 minutes during Dortmund's 3-2 defeat by Real Madrid in the Club World Cup quarter-finals, and after that he returned to his parent club for the pre-season.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Dortmund have initiated 'direct talks' with Chelsea over signing the midfielder, and the negotiation is ongoing to reach a solution.
Chelsea looking to recoup a substantial fee
??⚫️ Understand Borussia Dortmund have reactivated direct talks with Chelsea for Carney Chukwuemeka.
Negotiations ongoing between the clubs to find a solution as Carney wants the move.
Chelsea insist on permanent transfer. pic.twitter.com/HZObsE6l9U
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 4, 2025
The Blues are reportedly planning to sell at least seven players before the end of the window, and Chukwuemeka is one of them.
Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has recently admitted that he wants to keep the Blues midfielder with them, but the German giants may have to pay a premium fee to sign him, with Chelsea reportedly demanding around £40m.
"We will definitely have some more discussions in the next few days about his situation," said Kehl, as quoted by the BBC Sport.
"I think it was a good move from Carney to join us. Now let's see how we manage everything. It won't be easy, but we will try to keep him because he's a very good player."
Chelsea and Dortmund could engage in another transfer
Chelsea's Carney Chukwuemeka pictured on May 17, 2025
The Blues are well stocked in their midfield areas, and Chukwuemeka would struggle to get regular games next season in Enzo Maresca's first-team squad.
It makes sense for him to move elsewhere and play regularly, and Dortmund are ready to offer him the chance.
Chelsea are looking to sell him permanently, but their asking price could prove to be a big stumbling block. In such a scenario, they may need to consider selling him on loan again, with possibly an obligation to buy deal.
Dortmund and Chelsea enjoy a good relationship, with the Blues having already signed Jamie Gittens from the German club in the summer.
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