Barcelona target SHOCK move for Chelsea wonderkid

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 22 Apr 2024 16:12 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea wonderkid Carney Chukwuemeka amid his lack of game time at Stamford Bridge.

The England U21 international has mustered just two Premier League starts so far this season, partly due to injury, with Mauricio Pochettino preferring Conor Gallagher and Cole Palmer in the No.10 position.

According to TalkSPORT, Barcelona are interested in pursuing Chukwuemeka amid somewhat uncertainty surrounding his current role with the Blues.

READ MORE: Chelsea CRUSH wonderkid's dream by blocking transfer

The 20-year-old, who joined Chelsea for €18 million in 2022, was linked with a move to Camp Nou before leaving Aston Villa, but the Spanish giants were beaten to his signature by Chelsea.

However, Barcelona are now keen to finally land Chukwuemeka as they prepare for their post-Xavi era. The club legend is set to step down from his role as head coach following a disappointing LaLiga campaign.

They are currently 11 points behind league leaders Real Madrid, who also emerged victorious in both El Clasico games thanks to two last-minute Jude Bellingham winners.

READ MORE: Chelsea unlikely to sign Ligue 1 star - Romano

Despite this, the Blaugrana have well-documented financial issues, which may ensure their pursuit of Chukwuemeka is unsuccessful.

The Chelsea man has a measly Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of just €4.5m, due to his lack of first-team football, but the Blues would demand a far higher fee, especially given his current contract runs until 2028.

Chelsea’s summer departures

Although Chukwuemeka is unlikely to leave Chelsea, the Blues are set for a busy summer of transfer activity.

Hakim Ziyech, Romelu Lukaku and Ian Maatsen are all expected to be sold permanently after their respective loan moves away during the 2023-24 campaign, while Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah may also be offloaded in a bid to meet Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.

Marc Cucurella has been linked with an exit too, and Thiago Silva has hinted that he will not extend his contract amid the possibility of returning to Brazil.