Chelsea’s unexpected announcement of their agreement to sign Carney Chukwueumeka from Aston Villa came to the surprise of most, but the background work of the deal had been worked on for some time by the club.
The 18-year-old will now travel to London to negotiate personal terms as Thomas Tuchel looks to add one of England’s best young players to his ageing midfield. Chukwuemeka’s contract was due to run out next summer and he has been in deadlock with Villa over signing a new deal, creating speculation over his future.
The player was a standout for England’s U19s at the European Championships earlier this year and recorded three goals and two assists in his five games, though it wasn’t enough to get himself in Villa’s pre-season squad as Steven Gerrard explained earlier this summer.
Carney is yet to sign a contract offer that has been in place for some time now,” Gerrard explained to Villa TV before the tour. “I’ve decided the best thing for him would be to continue his training programme back at Bodymoor.”
The player had been the target for a host of Europe’s top clubs including Barcelona and Liverpool but Chelsea have managed to jump to the front of the queue and solidify their long-term midfield plans. Chukwuemeka is expected to go straight into Tuchel’s first team squad and play a role for his new club next season, though the future of other senior players would have to be sorted out before this can become a reality.
Judging by Gerrard’s previous comments, he highly rates the young midfielder. “Hopefully he is going to be a big player for Aston Villa,” he said. “We want him to stay here long-term. We believe this is the best place for Carney. I hope that situation progresses in a positive way.”
Chukwuemeka made his Premier League debut in 2021, playing just his second league match against Chelsea, and went on to make 12 appearances last season as well, assisting once.
