West Ham United want Carney Chukwuemeka before deadline, £40m transfer needed
Chelsea are willing to sell Carney Chukwuemeka for £40million amid interest from West Ham, according to TEAMtalk.
The online source reported [30 August] that the Hammers are currently in talks to sign the midfielder this summer, with the Blues preferring a permanent transfer to a loan move.
It is understood that the 20-year-old is open to a move to the London Stadium, with Julen Lopetegui’s side now facing competition from Manchester United ahead of the transfer deadline [Dharmesh Sheth].
West Ham United to splash £40million on Carney Chukwuemeka?
Given the Irons’ transfer business during the summer so far, and the club looking at a loan deal [Jacob Steinberg], it seems highly unlikely that Chukwuemeka will make the switch to East London.
Despite making just 27 first-team appearances since arriving at Stamford Bridge from Aston Villa in the summer of 2022, there is no doubt that the youngster is a talented player.
Following a number of incomings this summer, and Carlos Soler about to arrive ahead of medical tests with the Hammers [Fabrizio Romano], Lopetegui’s squad is stacked to the brim.
However, James Ward-Prowse’s move to Nottingham Forest [Sky Sports] could open up a space in the squad for Chukwuemeka to slot into, though it is difficult to see a £40million bid being sanctioned.
Edson Alvarez and Guido Rodriguez have the defensive midfield spot nailed down, but until Soler joins, there are limited options ahead of them, especially if Tomas Soucek secures a last-minute move.
Chukwuemeka made just two Premier League appearances last season in a stacked Chelsea squad, and though he is likely to face competition at the London Stadium, he could have a much greater impact.
Despite this, £40million is a lot to spend on a player who has only made 27 senior appearances over the last two campaigns, so it seems unrealistic to believe Chukwuemeka will be joining on a permanent deal.
In other West Ham news, the club have agreed personal terms for a new signing as they look to seal a deadline-day blitz.
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