Chelsea are reportedly set to rival Manchester United and Liverpool in the race to sign wantaway Aston Villa prodigy Carney Chukwuemeka.
According to Fichajes, Chelsea have become the latest club to be linked with a move for Carney Chukwuemeka. The Aston Villa youngster has emerged as an in-demand prospect in the market as he is widely expected to leave Villa Park after the end of the season.
Regarded as one of the most promising young players in the United Kingdom, Chukwuemeka is seemingly frustrated at Aston Villa due to a lack of first-team opportunities this season. He had initially remained at the club in the summer in order to gain an opportunity to make a breakthrough in senior football.
But after just one appearance in the Premier League, the 18-year-old is now prepared to move elsewhere. His precarious situation at Villa Park has now already attracted interest from some of the big clubs across England, including Liverpool and the two Manchester giants.
However, it appears Chelsea, too, are in the mix in the race to sign Chukwuemeka next summer. The Blues believe they can snap up the youngster, a central midfielder by trade, on a cut-price fee, considering his current contract at Aston Villa expires in 2023.
From a sporting perspective, Chukwuemeka is likely being considered as a potential long-term replacement for N’Golo Kante. The Frenchman is not getting any younger and has had issues with injuries over the past 12 months.
There are also concerns over the long-term futures of Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic, potentially making Chukwuemeka a smart long-term investment for the reigning European champions. However, the Blues are set to face stiff competition from Liverpool and Manchester United in the pursuit of the Aston Villa prodigy.
Liverpool, for one, are in the market for a new midfielder amid the uncertain future of Thiago Alcantara, who has been linked with a return to Camp Nou. Meanwhile, Manchester United are determined to sign Chukwuemeka as well, in an attempt to strengthen their options in the middle of the park.
Just a little more than a year ago, the Red Devils had narrowly missed out on another midfield prodigy in Jude Bellingham, and they won’t be all too keen on making the same mistake with Chukwuemeka next summer. So, it remains to be seen where Chukwuemeka heads to next, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United keen on signing him.