Chelsea are not making a Kevin De Bruyne-style error with transfer decision over ex-Aston Villa man

Carney Chukwuemeka’s days at Chelsea seem to be coming to an end. The young midfielder was signed in the summer of 2022 when the new owners of the club oversaw their first transfer window at Cobham. Critics had plenty to say about the £20million Todd Boehly paid for the then 18-year-old talent from Aston Villa.

Now in his third season at Chelsea, his talent has yet to blossom. He has made only 28 appearances for the club, with 22 of them coming in the Premier League. His time at Chelsea hasn’t been easy; the club has experienced topsy-turvy seasons, and he has suffered injuries on more than two occasions.

Reports in Italy suggest that the club is ready to listen to offers for the now 20-year-old talent, as coach Enzo Maresca has given the green light to any possible transfer. Chelsea feel they have a better talent for the attacking midfield role in Cole Palmer, who is also young and has many years ahead of him. Even if Chukwuemeka moves on and finds success, there wouldn’t be a Kevin De Bruyne-style regret.

In the deeper midfield positions, the current regular players are equally young and talented, and what they have over him is consistent experience at both club and national team levels.

In the wide positions, another area where Chukwuemeka can play, the club boasts many talents, to the extent that two summer purchases, Joao Felix and Pedro Neto, have to come off the bench. As it stands now, Chelsea may have many issues, but a lack of talent in the midfield department isn’t one of them.

For Chukwuemeka, a move away from Chelsea could be beneficial for reviving his career. He can take inspiration from Kevin De Bruyne, a talent who didn’t thrive at Chelsea due to competing with more established players at the time.

Reports suggest that Italian club AC Milan has expressed interest in him. The seven-time European champions have gained a reputation as a welcoming home for Chelsea misfits, having signed the likes of Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Christian Pulisic. With players like Tammy Abraham and Alvaro Morata in their ranks, Chukwuemeka would likely feel at home to revive his career.

Chelsea haven't received any concrete offers yet from the Italians, but knowing how they operate and considering the player's injury record, they will likely propose a loan with a purchase option. In the Premier League, it’s believed that Crystal Palace expressed interest in him during the summer and may make a bold move for him in the winter as they seek creativity following the exit of French international Michael Olise.

He’s also been linked to Saudi Arabia, but given his age and the promise he showed at the Aston Villa Academy, moving to the Gulf region at 20 shouldn’t be a consideration for him.