AC Milan are rivalling interest from Arsenal and Newcastle United after opening talks with the agent of Carney Chukwuemeka over a cut-price transfer for the Aston Villa midfielder.
That’s according to Calciomercato, who note the Serie A champions have now marked the 18-year-old as a concrete target for a summer move. Technical director Paolo Maldini and sporting director Frederic Massara feel he has top-notch potential and an all-round ability.
- Crystal Palace’s 22/23 XI with £20M West Ham target leading 4 new signings
- Jude Bellingham and Celtic ace lead Birmingham XI if they ket their top stars
Chukwuemeka has impressed the Rossoneri leaders with his impressive skill in one-vs-one situations, disruptive strength and ability to score and create chances. AC Milan even now consider his arrival at the San Siro a greater priority than for Renato Sanches of LOSC Lille.
Barcelona are also mulling submitting an offer to Aston Villa for Chukwuemeka to move to La Liga this summer. But the Villans are seeking a deal in the region of €20m (£17m) to sell their England U19 international, which is more than AC Milan would be willing to pay now.
Maldini and Massara know Chukwuemeka is in the final year of his contract and he has no interest in extending his terms at Villa Park. So, the San Siro side are discussing an offer of €10m (£8.5m) with the agent of the Eisenstadt, Austria-born gem after now opening talks.
AC Milan rivalling Arsenal, Newcastle interest for cut-price Chukwuemeka deal
AC Milan beginning negotiations with Chukwuemeka’s representatives may pit the Serie A side against interest from Arsenal and Newcastle to sign the Aston Villa prospect. Graeme Bailey reports the Premier League duo both believe he could start at their respective sides.
The Evening Standard also report Arsenal have been scouting Chukwuemeka for a number of months. And he could move clubs next summer for just £400k, per The Telegraph, if the teenager leaves Aston Villa at the end of his existing contract with the Birmingham natives.
Chukwuemeka has only started three of his 16 first-team appearances for the Villans so far in his fledgling career. Two of those opening calls have come during Premier League games across 14 appearances, plus one from two in the Carabao Cup since debuting in May 2021.
Yet while his appearances have been brief, Chukwuemeka blew Arsenal icon Paul Merson away against Brentford last term. The Gunners great noted on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday:
“Chukwuemeka was very good, he has got a bright future. I don’t see a lot of the kid’s football. First-half, he was outstanding… He will be an absolute star. He glides across the pitch, is a nice size, he gets on the ball, he looks for it and makes runs without the ball.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
