Chelsea have confirmed that they have signed Aston Villa youngster Carney Chukwuemeka.
On Tuesday evening, the Blues took many by surprise as they released a statement to say that they had agreed a deal with Villa for one of their brightest prospects.
The West Midlands outfit had tried and failed to extend Chukwuemeka's contract past 2023, leaving Steven Gerrard and the club's hierarchy with a decision to make regarding his future.
Given the risk of losing the England Under-19 international for a low fee next summer, Villa opted to accept what is reported to be a £15m fee with a further £5m coming in add-ons.
Chelsea have also confirmed that Chukwuemeka has signed a contract which will keep him at Stamford Bridge until the end of the 2027-28 campaign.
Introducing your newest blue, Carney Chukwuemeka! 🤝#ChukwuemekaIsChelsea pic.twitter.com/Ojsh38bKBC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 4, 2022
Speaking to the club's official website, the 18-year-old 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."
Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly added: "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."
© Reuters
Chukwuemeka departs Villa having made a total of three starts and 13 substitute appearances in the first team, the majority coming during the recent campaign.
However, the teenager and his representatives are said to have had concerns about the prospect of receiving more game time during 2022-23, resulting in a reluctance to pen a long-term contract which remained on the table.
At the same time, many of European football's top clubs were said to be circling, including Barcelona who may have moved for Chukwuemeka had their priorities not been elsewhere.
Chukwuemeka's stock was further enhanced during the summer as he starred during England's triumph at the Under-19 European Championship, starting each of the Young Lions' five matches.
He becomes Chelsea's fourth first-team signing of the summer, following Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly and Gabriel Slonina.
Darren Plant
