Chelsea confirm deal to sign Aston Villa star in shock £15m transfer

Carney Chukwuemeka, a midfielder for the England U21 team, will join Chelsea, according to a statement released by Aston Villa.

After making his first-team debut at the conclusion of the 2020–21 season, Chukwuemeka, who turned 18 in October, participated in 19 games for Villa.

The highly regarded midfielder played 11 times in the Premier League last season for Steven Gerrard’s team, and Paul Merson, a former Arsenal and England winger, called him a “potential star.”

Chukwuemeka’s transfer to Chelsea is thought to be worth an initial £15 million, while the total sum could exceed £20 million if certain add-on conditions are completed.

Aston Villa and Chelsea can confirm that the two clubs have come to terms on Carney Chukwuemeka’s permanent transfer, according to a statement from Chelsea.

The 18-year-old has been given permission to go to London to talk about personal matters and get checked up.

Chukwuemeka, the 2020–21 Academy Player of the Year for Aston Villa, will fly to London tonight to finalize the transfer and sign a six-year contract with Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea hopes to introduce the midfielder as their third summer acquisition before their Premier League start against Everton on Saturday. He is set to have his physical tomorrow.

Raheem Sterling of England and Kalidou Koulibaly of Senegal have already visited Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel this summer, and the Blues are still negotiating a contract for Brighton defender Marc Cucurella.

After Chukwuemeka made his debut for Aston Villa in August of last year, Merson spoke with Sky Sports on the player’s potential, saying: “You look at the positives for Villa, the young guy, Chukwuemeka was very impressive.”

“He has a promising future.” I hardly ever see the kid’s football games. He had a great first half. He was moving around the field with ease.

‘At the age of 17, you are a center midfielder for a Premier League team. Really, that is a lot to ask.

He is going to be a superstar. On the pitch, he moves with ease. He has a good build. He picks up the pace. Without the ball, he makes runs while searching for it. After the game, I believe Aston Villa supporters will talk about him.