In an unexpected turn of events, {statorium_team tid=23 sid=262 text="Barcelona"} are set to chase after {statorium_player pid=26008 sid=252 text="Carney Chukwuemeka"} in the summer after allowing him to go to {statorium_team tid=8 sid=252 text="Chelsea"} in 2022/23.
The Catalan team were linked heavily with Chukwuemeka, 20, when he was still a teenage sensation at {statorium_team tid=112 text="Aston Villa"}. Their financial situation and a decision to sign {statorium_player pid=33129 sid=262 text="Pablo Torre"} instead led to them forgoing the prospect and Chelsea ended up swooping in for him.
Chukwuemeka has not had the best time at Chelsea, however, only bagging a total of 23 league games in two seasons so far with the Blues. In 2023/24, the midfielder has only five starts and has made just 12 appearances for the Blues in all competitions. Injuries have contributed their quota to him being ignored but the evidence is clear that Mauricio Pochettino trusts him less than he does others.
Chelsea still believe that Chukwuemeka will come good in the future but the prospect of moving to Barcelona at such a young age could appeal to the young midfielder. His inspiration will surely be Ballon d'Or contender, 20-year-old {statorium_player pid=6466 text="Jude Bellingham"}, who has not played a single minute of Premier League football but is considered one of the best in England and in the world while playing for {statorium_team tid=37 text="Real Madrid"}, the world's most iconic and successful football club.
Xavi Hernandez, who is currently dotting his I's and crossing his T’s at Barcelona before he hands over everything to the club and leaves for good in the summer, reportedly sanctioned the purchase of Chukwuemeka from Villa in 2022/23. It is understood that the Catalan club are looking to convince Xavi to stay.
Bringing in Chukwuemeka, who Xavi wants to work with, could be one of the reasons why the former Barcelona midfielder will remain on as the manager of the club of his life.
Chukwuemeka currently has four years to go on his Chelsea contract which means that the Blues will demand a big fee for the player who they signed for £20 million.
It is unknown if Barcelona will follow through, having already been reported to be incapable of making a big signing in the summer.
Rumours are also making the rounds about Barcelona looking to sign {statorium_player pid=5471 sid=252 text="Luis Diaz"} from {statorium_team tid=3 sid=252 text="Liverpool"} and {statorium_player pid=4355 sid=252 text="Alexander Isak"} from {statorium_team tid=10 sid=252 text="Newcastle United"}.
Isak is another player who they were once linked with but failed to follow through with signing. The Catalan club are hoping to capitalise on Newcastle's need to offload players in the summer due to their FFP issues.