Chelsea news: Carney Chukwuemeka to stay at Stamford Bridge next season

Chelsea news: The Blues have completed the signing of Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa.

They have paid a transfer fee of close to £20 million (Sky Sports) to bring the talented midfielder to Stamford Bridge. Chukwuemeka has become the Londoners’ fourth signing of the transfer window after Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly and Gabriel Slonina.

Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund have also shown interest in signing the English youngster earlier this transfer window. However, the Blues moved quickly and got the move over the line.

The 18-year-old midfielder has signed a six-year deal at Stamford Bridge, which will run until the end of the 2027-28 season.

Chelsea news: Carney Chukwuemeka to stay at Stamford Bridge next season

Read More: The Blues Looking to Sign a Right Back

The Blues owner Todd Boehly has confirmed that the English youngster will stay at the club next season. It was recently believed that the London club could loan him out for the 2022-23 season.

Speaking to the media, Boehly said (via Fabrizio Romano): “He’s one of the most exciting young players in Europe, we are delighted to add such a talented young individual to our squad for the new season and beyond”.

Chukwuemeka has established himself as among the most exciting midfielders in Europe following a breakthrough 2021-22 season at Villa Park. He played 12 league games last season, assisting one goal.

The 18-year-old is also a key member of England’s U19 squad and played a starring role in their UEFA European Under-19 Championship triumph last month. He was included in the competitive Team of the Season for his performances.

The Austria-born youngster had a year left on his Villa deal. But he decided against signing a new deal due to concerns over playing time.

What will Carney Chukwuemeka bring to Stamford Bridge?

Read More: Citizens identify Bernando Silva replacement

Chukwuemeka is an explosive footballer who prefers to play as a central midfielder. His key strengths are his passing and dribbling skills, along with his ability to glide into the final third with his powerful runs. He also plays with maturity beyond his age and has captained the Three Lions’ youth teams on numerous occasions in the past.

According to WhoScored, he averaged 0.6 tackles,0.3 shots, and 10 passes per 90 in the league last term.

What did Carney Chukweumeka say after joining the Blues?

The 18-year-old midfielder expressed his desire after officially signing for Chelsea. He said (via Sky Sports): ‘I’m so excited and just can’t wait to get on the pitch, meet all the players and try to win games and trophies with Chelsea.’