Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund have reactivated direct talks over Carney Chukwuemeka — and this time, it’s getting serious. Chelsea have now lowered their transfer fee demand, paving the way for a permanent move the clubs could wrap up before the end of next week.
After a stop-start spell at Stamford Bridge, the 21-year-old is open to a fresh start. And with Dortmund pushing to bring him back, the clubs could soon seal a full transfer.
Chelsea Shift Gears, Target Quick Exit
Chukwuemeka arrived from Aston Villa in 2022 for approximately £20 million but injuries and stiff competition restricted his playing time. But Chelsea are now ready to cash in — and prepared to accept a cut-price fee for around £21-22 million, well short of the £35-40m valuations that were being touted at the time!
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are refusing to consider any kind of loan or option-based deal, insisting on a permanent transfer only. Dortmund, who had Chukwuemeka on loan last season, have re-entered the race at the right moment — just as Chelsea push forward with their summer exits.
With Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall already sold to Everton for £25 million, and Lesley Ugochukwu joining Burnley, Chukwuemeka is next on the list. Chelsea want a more focused midfield, and Enzo, Caicedo, Lavia, Gallagher and Andrey Santos are all in the mix for 2025/26.
Dortmund Want Him Back
Dortmund know exactly what they’re buying — a high-upside midfielder with unfinished business. Chukwuemeka played 17 times for them on loan, briefly in 2025, scoring once and featuring well. Sporting director Sebastian Kehl is an admirer and the Bundesliga side think of him as a long-term project.
Talks are progressing smoothly. The player is available, the price has dropped and both clubs have nodded towards a permanent transfer – this now looks inevitable.
Chukwuemeka’s Chelsea chapter may be ending — and a return to Dortmund could be just days away.
A trusted source on ChelseaNews.com
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