“Sorry no more playing time” – Enzo Maresca tells 21-years-old Chelsea star to leave club in January
West Ham United is one of the teams showing interest in 21-year-old midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka, and Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is willing to approve his exit during the forthcoming January transfer window.
Chukwuemeka, who reportedly paid £20 million to join Chelsea from Aston Villa in 2022, has had difficulty obtaining consistent first-team appearances at Stamford Bridge. He has only played 130 minutes in five appearances in all competitions this season, and he hasn’t played in a Premier League game under Maresca.
According to reports, Chelsea are open to parting ways with Chukwuemeka in January, with a preference for a permanent transfer.
However, they may also consider a loan move to provide the midfielder with more playing time. Several clubs have shown interest, including West Ham United, who are reportedly keen on bolstering their midfield options.
Former Premier League scout Mick Brown has noted that while there is interest from both Premier League and European clubs, some English sides have reservations about Chukwuemeka’s lack of experience at the top level. Brown suggests that a move to a European club, such as AC Milan, which has been monitoring the player, might be more suitable.
Chukwuemeka’s potential departure aligns with Maresca’s efforts to streamline Chelsea’s squad. The manager has previously indicated that due to the abundance of players, it would be better for Chukwuemeka to seek opportunities elsewhere to gain regular playing time.
As the January transfer window approaches, discussions are expected to continue between Chelsea, Chukwuemeka, and interested clubs to determine the best pathway for the young midfielder’s development and career progression.