Serie A champions AC Milan have reportedly opened talks to secure the services of Carney Chukwuemeka, a target for Barcelona.
According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, AC Milan and Aston Villa are in contact to discuss a possible move for Carney Chukwuemeka in the summer transfer window. The Aston Villa whizkid is also a target for Barcelona, with the Premier League outfit demanding €20 million for him.
Carney Chukwuemeka is one of the most highly sought-after teenage prospects in Europe at the moment, with his contract situation and potential equally contributing to the interest. The 18-year-old has entered the final year of his deal with Aston Villa, who left him out of the pre-season squad due to his reluctance to renew terms with them.
The England under-19 international, who guided the Three Lions to a triumphant under-19 Euro triumph, has turned out 16 times for the Midlands club thus far. But amid long-dragging contract renewal talks, Chukwuemeka could leave Aston Villa, with Barcelona and AC Milan among his prospective suitors.
The interest from Barcelona comes in the wake of the rising uncertainties surrounding the long-term future of Frenkie de Jong. At the same time, with Sergio Busquets in the twilight of his career and Riqui Puig being surplus to requirements at Camp Nou, signing a central midfielder as a long-term solution is necessary for Barcelona.
Chukwuemeka is thus a viable target for Barcelona, with reports claiming they lead the race to sign the Aston Villa prodigy. But the Catalan giants face stiff competition from AC Milan for the 18-year-old, with the Serie A champions recently emerging as contenders for his signature.
The Italian heavyweights are yet to bring in a replacement for Franck Kessie, who joined Barcelona in a Bosman move this summer. Chukwuemeka has thus emerged as a viable long-term option to fill the void left by the departure of the Ivory Coast international at AC Milan. And the Serie A champions have initiated discussions with Aston Villa and the player’s camp for a summer move.
But AC Milan will likely submit an initial bid worth €10 million instead of offering the €20 million that the Villans seek for the 18-year-old. Barcelona might not be open to shelling out €20 million on Chukwuemeka either. So it will be interesting to see how this transfer story evolves in the coming weeks, as the youngster continues to face an uncertain future at Villa Park.
