Chukwuemeka: What you didn’t know about the Nigerian wonderkid Chelsea broke the bank to sign

Chelsea on Tuesday, August 2 announced reaching an agreement to sign Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa for a fee of £20m.

The 18-year-old had a year left on his contract at Villa Park and talks over a possible extension proved to be futile.

The Mirror reported last month that the player wanted a £100,000 weekly wage and more playing time, two conditions Villa couldn't guarantee.

Villa manager, Steven Gerard left the midfielder out of Villa's squad for their pre-season tour in Australia.

The highly rated player was courted by clubs like Chelsea, Barcelona, PSG, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Borussia Dortmund. He eventually decided to join The Blue.

The midfielder was instrumental in the England team that won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship. He scored in the final against Israel in a 3-1 win.

He was also named in the team of the tournament.

Career so far

Chukwuemeka was born on October 20, 2003, in Eisenstadt, Austria to Nigerian parents.
He began his career at Northampton Town academy before joining Villa in March 2016. He signed his first professional contract at Villa Park in July 2020.

Chukwuemeka made his senior debut for the team on 19 May 2021 in a 2–1 away victory over Tottenham Hotspur, hitting the woodwork minutes after coming on.

The youngster was named Aston Villa's Academy Player of the Season in the 2020/2021 season. The next day he won the FA Cup with the Aston Villa U-18 team.

Chukwuemeka made his senior team debut for Villa in August 2021 in a 1-1 draw against Brentford after the game ex-Villa manager Paul Merson hailed him as "outstanding", adding "he will be an absolute star".

Style of play

Chukwuemeka is a central midfielder who operates as a box-to-box number 8.

He can be deployed in a more advanced attacking position due to his creative abilities.

He has pace and possesses exceptional ball control.

International career

Chukwuemeka is eligible to play for the national teams of England, Nigeria, and Austria.

He has featured for England at the U17, U18, and U19 levels.

WDN