€15m valuation 

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It’s been a hectic deadline day for English Premier League clubs with the window shutting at 11pm tonight. Chelsea and Manchester United have been two of the busiest English clubs this summer and two players could be moving in the opposite direction tonight. 

Jadon Sancho has been strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge with the talented winger surplus to requirements under Erik ten Hag but Carney Chukwuemeka could arrive at Old Trafford. Sky Sports have reported that United chiefs have explored a deal for the Chelsea midfielder during talks over Sancho but it’s understood that both deals would be separate. United have been looking to strengthen their midfield options with Manuel Ugarte on the verge of joining but Chukwuemeka represents a fascinating option. 

Why are Manchester United interested in Carney Chukwuemeka?

Chukwuemeka was viewed as an exceptional talent as he progressed through Aston Villa’s youth academy and he’s represented England across several youth levels, winning the U19 European Championships in 2022. The midfielder made his senior Aston Villa debut against Tottenham in 2021 and he made 16 appearances for the Midlands club before joining Chelsea in 2022. 

Chukwuemeka fitted Chelsea’s transfer policy of looking to sign the best young talent and the Blues paid €18m to secure his signature. Interestingly, Newcastle United wanted to sign him from Villa when Dan Ashworth was their sporting director – Ashworth now holds that role at Old Trafford. Chukwuemeka has only made 27 appearances for Chelsea and he suffered a serious knee injury against West Ham last August after scoring his first senior goal in the same game. Chukwuemeka can play in a number of midfield roles which would be an asset to United with Scott McTominay heading to Napoli. West Ham are amongst several clubs interested in taking Chukwuemeka on loan but United would be a more appealing destination.