Chelsea Stand Firm on Chukwuemeka: Only Permanent Sale Considered Amid Transfer Interest

Chelsea have made it clear to all suitors that Carney Chukwuemeka is not available on loan, and are only considering a permanent transfer for the young midfielder this summer, as confirmed by a recent report.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Several clubs have shown interest in signing 21-year-old midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka before the close of the summer transfer window. Borussia Dortmund, where Chukwuemeka spent the second half of last season on loan, recently submitted an offer for another loan deal, reportedly with an obligation or option to buy. Chelsea turned down the proposal straight away, describing it as insufficient and stating they will only entertain outright sales. Reports indicate Chelsea are seeking close to Chukwuemeka’s £40 million release clause, rejecting Dortmund’s approach of around £15-20 million for a loan with mandatory purchase, according to sources that estimate Chelsea value him at around €40 million here. Napoli, Juventus, RB Leipzig, and West Ham are also exploring options, but so far, none have matched Chelsea’s valuation.

WHY CHELSEA’S DECISION MATTERS

Chukwuemeka has struggled to nail down a regular spot at Stamford Bridge, making just 32 appearances since joining in 2022, mainly due to persistent injuries. Despite some promising performances during his loan at Dortmund—playing key minutes, even at the Club World Cup—the midfielder is not in manager Enzo Maresca’s plans for the coming season according to a previous update. Chelsea are off to a mixed start in the current Premier League campaign, and with the club looking to trim their large squad, offloading Chukwuemeka for a substantial fee could provide funds for new signings or balance the books. Meanwhile, Chukwuemeka is understood to prefer remaining in Dortmund, where he felt appreciated and saw more playing time as noted by sources.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR CHUKWUEMEKA AND CHELSEA?

The summer transfer deadline is approaching fast. Chelsea, who opened their Premier League season with a draw against Crystal Palace and currently sit 10th in the table, next face West Ham, who lost their opener to newly-promoted Sunderland 3-0. Chukwuemeka finds himself training, but unlikely to feature unless his future is resolved. Dortmund, on the other hand, are one of the title contenders in the Bundesliga, and with Champions League football, are likely to present the young player with an interesting project capable of allowing him to play regularly and progress his career. Should Napoli, West Ham, or another club meet Chelsea’s asking price, a quick resolution could come before the end of August. If not, Chukwuemeka faces another uncertain spell, watching from the sidelines as Chelsea shape their squad for the next campaign.