Chelsea have reached an agreement with Aston Villa for Carney Chukwuemeka - believed to be around £15million plus add-ons.
The Blues confirmed on social media that the 18-year-old will travel to London to undergo a medical and agree personal terms. Liverpool have been interested in the young midfielder for some time and the Reds had stepped up their efforts following reports of a rejected new contract at Villa Park.
With his current deal ending next summer, Steven Gerrard’s side have opted to sell their promising star for a fee rather than taking it to a potential tribunal next summer. And Chelsea look to have won the race to sign the midfielder after the two parties agreed a fee.
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Fabrizio Romano has reported the £15million fee, adding that the Villa academy product will sign a six-year deal at Chelsea after his medical on Wednesday. The midfielder could be announced as a Blues player later this week.
Chukwuemeka has attracted interest from a host of Europe’s biggest clubs and a move this summer became increasingly likely when the teenager was left out of Steven Gerrard’s squad for their pre-season tour of Australia.
The England under-19 international featured 12 times in the Premier League last season, picking up one assist - he also added two goals and two assists in six Premier League 2 games.
Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has made a concerted effort to add youth to an ageing midfield, promoting Curtis Jones from the youth teams while adding Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho in recent seasons. Whether they decided to move on from Chukwuemeka or were pipped to the post by Thomas Tuchel’s side is unknown.
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