Major Chelsea transfer takes shape as Romano confirms new stance

Tom Weber

Updated: 13 Jan 2025 16:18 GMT
3 min read

Chelsea have changed their stance on a potential loan exit of Carney Chukwuemeka, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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The young midfielder is all but guaranteed to depart Stamford Bridge this month after failing to break into the side under Enzo Maresca. Injuries and frequent coaching changes have meant that Chukwuemeka's stint at Chelsea has been unsuccessful.

Signed in 2022 as a massive talent, the 21-year-old is set to leave the club having barely featured in his two-and-a-half years in west London. Despite his lack of action, Chukwuemeka has no shortage of suitors.

The likes of AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and West Ham have been linked with the Austria-born England youth international in recent weeks, but one massive stumbling block has been Chelsea's unwillingness to sanction a loan.

Due to Chukwuemeka's whopping €48 million release clause, clubs have been reluctant to table permanent bids. However, his departure is now set to pick up steam.

Romano on Chukwuemeka

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have changed their stance on loaning out Chukwuemeka. The Blues are now open to a temporary exit of the midfielder in what will be a massive boost to his suitors.

Chief among them are Borussia Dortmund, who need reinforcements after a dire start to life under new coach Nuri Sahin. Romano states that the Bundesliga giants are now 'pushing' for the 21-year-old.

However, Romano also states that a loan to BlueCo affiliate Strasbourg also can't be ruled out, which is interesting in light of the news that Chelsea are considering signing Yeremay Hernandez and loaning him to the Ligue 1 side.

All three of Chelsea's loan spots with Strasbourg are already filled, so the Blues would have to recall two players to be able to send Hernandez and Chukwuemeka to Alsace.