Chelsea are expected to have “direct club-to-club talks” with Borussia Dortmund about the departures of Carney Chukwuemeka and Aaron Anselmino today (Friday, 22nd August), according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said an agreement is close for both players to make the switch to Germany, with Chukwuemeka leaving on a permanent basis, while Anselmino would join on loan:
“Today, Friday, could be a really important day for this deal because Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund will be in direct club-to-club talks to close the deal. Carney Chukwuemeka to Dortmund – permanent transfer – €20million and heavy sell-on clause, so this could be the package for Chukwuemeka. And Anselmino to Borussia Dortmund on loan – no buy option. This is the structure discussed between Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund.”
“Anselmino said yes to Dortmund loan. Carney Chukwuemeka wants to go to Dortmund, despite interest from Italy, interest from Leipzig. So now Chelsea are trying to close this deal, and Anselmino will go to Borussia Dortmund only if they get Carney Chukwuemeka. So let’s see what’s going to happen there, but this deal is absolutely on.”
Chelsea won’t make a profit on Chukwuemeka (at least initially)
The Blues have been insisting all summer that the midfielder would not be available on loan again, having spent the second half of last season at Dortmund. He is not part of Enzo Maresca’s first-team plans.
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Chukwuemeka initially made the switch to Chelsea from Aston Villa for £20m in the summer of 2022, and there was optimism that a club would trigger his £40m release clause. However, it appears Maresca’s side will make a modest loss from his departure. The sell-on clause could help turn the deal into a profit in the future.
Anselmino has played just 2 minutes of first-team football
The Argentinian Under 20 international was originally signed from Boca Juniors last summer. He was loaned back for six months before arriving at Stamford Bridge in January.
Unfortunately, Anselmino has struggled to make much of an impact, with his one and only appearance for the Blues coming at the Club World Cup when he made a brief cameo against Benfica in the round of 16.
Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here