Chelsea name HUGE asking price for Chukwuemeka

Chelsea are open to letting Carney Chukwuemeka go in January, but signing him will require a hefty outlay, according to a report.

The 21-year-old continues to be the subject of rampant speculation as he is among the most likely players to leave Chelsea in January. Chukwuemeka, after failing to secure a summer transfer, has barely featured under Enzo Maresca.

The Austria-born English youth international is competing for an attacking midfield spot with some of Chelsea’s best players and has so far failed to make any gains in this uphill battle.

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As a result, Chelsea are open to letting him go in January, according to Ben Jacobs. However, he states that the Blues still rate him highly and are demanding as much as €48 million – the amount of his release clause – to sanction a permanent exit.

Given Chukwuemeka’s lack of minutes since joining in 2022, it is highly unlikely that any club will pay this fee, especially in January.

What next for Chukwuemeka?

Jacobs states that AC Milan are a club to keep an eye on for the winter, echoing reports from Italy, although not going so far as to suggest that the player has already agreed a move to the Rossoneri.

Milan, however, are keen on securing a loan with an option to buy, which, it seems, still does not really appeal to Chelsea, who previously demanded that Chukwuemeka only leave on a permanent deal.

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Additionally, Jacobs has played down suggestions that Chelsea could be set for a defensive exodus in January, dismissing speculation surrounding the likes of Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi and Tosin Adarabioyo – as well as midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

The only other player expected to leave Chelsea in the winter is out-of-favour Ben Chilwell, although Man Utd are unlikely to reignite their brief interest from the summer.