Chelsea Sign Nigerian-Born Midfielder, Chukwuemeka
Chelsea have signed a Nigerian-Born midfielder, Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa for a reported fee of £20 million ($24 million).
Naija News reports that Aston Villa and the England under-19 midfielder have been in a contract dispute all through the preseason.
Villa boss, Steven Gerrard, left the midfielder out of the club’s pre-season tour of Australia after Chukwuemeka refused to sign an extension to his contract, which was due to expire in 2023.
Chukwuemeka, who turns 19 in October, broke into the Villa first-team in May 2021 and last season made 14 appearances, although just two of them were Premier League starts.
He played a starring role as England won the Under-19 European Championship in July.
Speaking, Chukwuemeka said: “It’s been quite hectic but I couldn’t get Chelsea out of my head the last few days so I’m just happy and relieved that it’s all done.
“I’m so excited and just can’t wait to get on the pitch, meet all the players and try to win games and trophies with Chelsea.”
He becomes the third signing of Chelsea’s new era under the ownership of Todd Boehly’s consortium, following Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly to Stamford Bridge.
Speaking on the signing of the midfielder, Boehly said: “Carney is one of the most exciting young players in Europe so we are really looking forward to seeing him in action at Stamford Bridge.
“We are delighted to be able to bring him to Chelsea and add such a talented young individual to our squad for the new season and beyond.”
This article was originally published on Naija News
