Report: Arsenal & Newcastle could sign £20m Xavi target for free after bombshell

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Aston Villa midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka has reportedly rejected a new contract at the club, potentially opening the door for the likes of Arsenal, FC Barcelona and Newcastle United to sign the teenage midfielder for free.

According to the Telegraph, the England youth international has rejected a contract offer from Villa with Chukwuemeka’s current deal with Steven Gerrard’s side set to expire next summer, which could see the Premier League side lose one of their top talents for nothing.

As per the report, Xavi Hernandez’s Barcelona are interested in Chukwuemeka and have already had a bid rejected for the 18-year-old talent, but should the midfielder leave Villa at the end of next season, the La Liga side could pay as little as £400,000 in compensation for the Austrian born prodigy.

Barcelona are not the only side interested in Chukwuemeka, though, with Arsenal and Newcastle also reportedly interested in the Villa star, who according to previous reports this summer is valued at £20m this summer, a figure which could significantly drop following this recent bombshell.

Regarded as one of the most exciting talents to come out of Villa’s academy in some time, Chukwuemeka rejecting a contract with the club is a big blow for Gerrard, who looked prime to unleash the England youth international next season in the Premier League.

However, with the midfielder already left out of Gerrard’s pre-season squad that jetted out to Australia, this latest update on Chukwuemeka could be the final straw for the Villa boss, and the English manager could now look to sell the 18-year-old at all costs.

Chukwuemeka rejecting a Villa contract should result in summer departure

Chukwuemeka is easily one of the most exciting Premier League teenagers currently active in the division, and his decision to reject a contract with Villa could be the biggest gamble the youngster makes in his young career, and his next move will be crucial in his development.

Whilst interest in Arsenal and Barcelona is incredible, Chukwuemeka is ready for first-team football, something he might not get at a European powerhouse despite his obvious potential and talents, and moving to a smaller side could be the right direction for the England youth international, who should take inspiration from Jadon Sancho.