Latest developments
- Aston Villa are looking to re-sign Carney Chukwuemeka from Chelsea.
- The Blues value him at £40 million.
- That despite the midfielder starting one game all season.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): A plausible return
Aston Villa are intent on bringing their academy product Carney Chukwuemeka back to Villa Park, two-and-a-half years after selling him to Chelsea.
That is the word of footballinsider247.com, who have not named their sources. Yet, given the links between the player and Villa, a return is fairly plausible.
Value (2/5): Chelsea asking a lot
Chukwuemeka has started one UEFA Conference League match all season and not played a single minute of Premier League football under Enzo Maresca.
That hasn't stopped Chelsea asking for £40 million, which is more than double what they paid the Villans, who are not expected to match that valuation.
Suitability (5/5): Schooled in the Villa system
Academy product Chukwuemeka came up through the ranks and went on to play 16 times in claret and blue before heading to London, and therefore knows the club inside out.
Unai Emery tends to play two holding midfielders behind a front three, and is fairly flexible with his central midfielders, who are often used in both the more defensive and attacking roles.
Experience in both sitting deep and playing further forward makes the England under-21 man ideal.
Upgrade? (3/5): Tough direct competition
Focusing on the other three recognised centre-midfielders at Villa Park, Chukwuemeka might have his work cut out, with captain John McGinn and Youri Tielemans two of the top performers in Emery's side.
However, he can certainly push Ross Barkley for the role of back-up.
Logic (4/5): Villa need extra help
Going into the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds and the business end of the Premier League season, Villa need a couple of extra bodies to add strength in depth.
The 21-year-old is someone they can trust, and with his playing time at Stamford Bridge so limited, it might be better to head back home.
Whisper+ verdict: 16.5/25
There are plenty of “ifs” with this rumour, which could have legs if sources are true, if Chelsea accept a reasonable price and if Chukwuemeka is open to returning with his tail between his legs.
