Chelsea will reportedly demand around £30 million to part ways with 21-year-old English midfield prospect Carney Chukwuemeka, a target for Barcelona.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Carney Chukwuemeka is the subject of interest from FC Barcelona. The Blaugrana might dip into the market for a midfielder next year, with the Chelsea midfield prospect emerging as a target. Meanwhile, the Blues want around £30 million to part ways with the 21-year-old next year.
Carney Chukwuemeka and his Chelsea woes
Carney Chukwuemeka was among the most highly-rated young midfield prodigies in England when Chelsea beat stiff competition to sign him from Aston Villa in August 2022. However, fitness issues plagued the talented Englishman in his first two seasons with the West London club. Things have gone from bad to worse this year.
Enzo Maresca assigned the 21-year-old to the “bomb squad” in the summer transfer window as he did not feature in the new Chelsea manager’s plans. A summer exit did not see the light of day despite the youngster’s links with several well-known clubs, leaving the West London club astonished.
So, it is hardly surprising that Chukwuemeka has managed only 14 minutes of game time in one outing thus far this term. However, the English midfield prospect’s stock in the market remains high, with several high-profile clubs across Europe setting their sights on him. Barcelona might be one of his prospective suitors next year.
From Chelsea to Barcelona soon?
Barcelona’s interest in Carney Chukwuemeka is understandable. Deco is an admirer of the young Englishman’s talent and potential. So, the sporting director wants to take the Chelsea outcast to Barcelona in the winter transfer window. However, it is unclear how he might fit into the scheme of things at the Catalan club.
With Marc Bernal and Marc Casado earning Hansi Flick’s faith, the new Barcelona manager has six top-notch midfielders in his squad. So, it does not make sense for the Blaugrana to launch the offensive to sign Chukwuemeka unless they sell at least one midfielder. Nevertheless, he is a target for Barcelona, with Chelsea valuing him at around £30 million.
An outlay of £30 million might be a bargain in the long run for any club securing Carney Chukwuemeka’s services next year. However, it will be interesting to see if Barcelona will meet Chelsea’s asking price to land the 21-year-old English prospect.
