Chelsea stunned after West Ham United and Manchester United talks over Carney Chukwuemeka
Chelsea can’t believe they were unable to offload Carney Chukwuemeka after late talks with West Ham, GiveMeSport reports.
According to the outlet’s website on 2 September the Stamford Bridge side were certain they could find a move for the former Aston Villa attacker before the transfer window shut, with Manchester United also making a late approach.
But a deal couldn’t be worked out for the £100,000-a-week talent to move to the London Stadium or Old Trafford before the deadline, so he is stuck as an out-of-favour member of Enzo Maresca’s squad.
Interest is expected to re-emerge during the January transfer window however when interested clubs could come in to take advantage of the situation if he doesn’t get games between now and then.
West Ham signed Carlos Soler for Julen Lopetegui
Tim Steidten and the Hammers were busy on Deadline Day just as they were for the majority of the window, with a late deal secured for Julen Lopetegui’s “key priority” from PSG Carlos Soler [The Guardian, 26 August].
The focus was primarily on moving players on after a summer of heavy recruitment, with centre-back pair Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma, as well as Maxwel Cornet, and James Ward-Prowse all loaned out.
But the Irons seemingly couldn’t resist investigating the Chukwuemeka opportunity, who would have been another exciting addition if a deal could have been done.
The 20-year-old is only two summers removed from a £20million move from Villa Park and showed flashes under Mauricio Pochettino last term before injury, including an excellent first goal for the club in a 3-1 loss to West Ham at the London Stadium.
If he is still available in the winter window he is bound to be a prime candidate to join the Hammers at the second attempt if Lopetegui is looking for more inspiration in midfield, if there is space in the squad at that point.
The terms of a deal may be more favourable after four months of being stuck on the bench or in the stands, and if a deal is there to be done he certainly looks like the sort of player who could add something on the other side of London.
In other West Ham news, the Irons are still in talks for more signings past the end of the transfer window, with two potential arrivals named.
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