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Chelsea prepared to sell star in January who’s only played 49 minutes this season, surprise club interested

Chelsea are prepared to sell Carney Chukwuemeka in January with Ipswich one of the clubs who have enquired according to reports.

Chukwuemeka arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2022 in a deal worth £20m from Aston Villa, but his time at Chelsea has been plagued by injury.

The midfielder made just 12 appearances in all competitions last season under Mauricio Pochettino, but when he did play he showed glimpses of his quality.

Ipswich interested in Chukwuemeka

Chukwuemeka started the first two games of pre-season and it appeared he would be set for a role under Enzo Maresca, but for whatever reason that hasn’t happened.

The  21-year-old hasn’t made a single match day squad in the Premier League and has played just 49 minutes of football across the Conference League and Carabao Cup.

Chukwuemeka wasn’t frozen out over the summer and is still training with the first team, but his game time is very limited.

Carney Chukwuemeka surges through midfield. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Chukwuemeka has played just 49 minutes of football this season. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

It was reported over the summer he had a £40m release clause in his contract, and whilst there was interest he ended up staying, with Fabrizio Romano revealing why Chelsea turned down loan offers.

It’s inevitable a parting of ways will happen whether thats on an initial loan or permanently, with Chukwuemeka needing regular football to develop as a player.

The January window isn’t far away and Chelsea are likely to be looking to find a solution to get the former Villa man off their books.

TEAMtalk have reported the Blues are prepared to sell Chukwuemeka in January and newly promoted Ipswich have strong interest.

The report claims Chelsea have already received an approach from the Tractor Boys and that they are well placed to a secure a deal, which would likely cost significantly less than the £40m release clause.

Chukwuemeka is no doubt a talent , but there’s clearly something Maresca doesn’t like about him and it’s best for all parties if he does move on.

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