In today’s day and age, three words rule football’s transfer market: here we go. The familiar phrase used by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano is the tell-tale sign that deals have been completed, all of the paperwork is signed and official announcements are imminent. It’s become very difficult to keep the Italian, and the rest of the press, out of transfer dealings. Technology and sources within the clubs are to “blame” for all of these leaks. Chelsea fans know about this business all too well as they’ve been given false hope once or thrice already this summer.
The media has been well-informed on all of the rumors regarding the Blues’ business thus far. Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly and Gabriel Slonina are already through the door with Marc Cucurella looking to follow them in soon. However, with all of that being said, Todd Boehly’s side has successfully kept everyone in the dark on its latest transfer dealing. The club shocked fans and reporters alike when it announced its third (or fourth, depending on how you view Slonina given he hasn’t been announced) signing of the summer transfer window on Tuesday afternoon.
Chelsea beats Barcelona to the signing of Aston Villa’s Carney Chukwuemeka
Chelsea has added another excellent, young player to its ranks with the addition of Aston Villa midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka. The deal was announced by both clubs on Tuesday. Chukwuemeka will now travel down to London, where he will have his medical with the Blues on Wednesday and make the move official. The soon-to-be former Aston Villa youngster will sign a six-year deal with Chelsea that will run through 2028.
The fee to exchange hands will be around £15 million with add-ons taking the deal to £20 million. While many will conclude that this is a hefty price to pay for an individual who hasn’t made more than a handful of senior appearances, Chukwuemeka is a huge talent. He was being evaluated by European giants such as AC Milan and Barcelona before making the switch to the Blues. This was likely one of the driving factors in keeping the deal quiet. Boehly and Co. have been irritated recently after the Catalonian club hijacked their deals for Raphinha and Jules Kounde. Now, it’s Chelsea’s turn to pull a fast one on Barcelona.
The 18-year-old has made less than 15 Premier League appearances for the Clarets since debuting against Spurs back in 2021. He also notably won the European Under-19 Championships alongside the Blues’ own Harvey Vale in the England U19 National Team. Chukwuemeka is seen as one of the finest young attacking midfielders anywhere in Europe, so it’s safe to say he’ll make an excellent addition wherever he slots in. It’s unknown at this time what the future holds for him with Chelsea. However, after he left Villa Park for more opportunities, it’s unlikely he plays at the youth level. A loan or reserve role with Tuchel’s side are the likeliest scenarios.
Chukwuemeka is just the latest piece of the Blues’ youth revolution. Boehly has emphasized not only preparing for the present with his signings, but also stocking up with some of the brightest young talents in the next generation. Chukwuemeka joins Omari Hutchinson and the aforementioned Slonina on this summer’s young incomings list. Don’t be surprised if this isn’t the Blues’ last academy addition either. Palmeiras wonderkid Endrick, who turned 16 in late July, is attracting a lot of interest from Europe. Chelsea looks to be leading the charge for his signature.
What do you make of the Blues’ newest signing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!