Barcelona 'serious' about Carney Chukwuemeka transfer in huge Aston Villa blow
Aston Villa starlet Carney Chukwuemeka is reportedly attracting “serious interest'' from Barcelona this summer. The 18-year-old made 12 league appearances last term as he stuck around the first team squad to continue his development. Chukwuemeka was given his senior debut towards the end of the 2020/21 season after being a talismanic figure for Villa’s FA Youth Cup-winning side. His success continued this summer as the midfielder was one of three Villa youngsters that helped steer England to glory in the U19 Euros . However, with his contract entering its final 12 months, the teenager has been the subject of constant transfer speculation. READ MORE: Aston Villa complete fifth summer signing READ MORE: Diego Carlos responds after 'very special' Aston Villa debut Chukwuemeka signed a three-year deal at Villa Park after his 17th birthday, the maximum contract for a player of that age. It was then expected that the midfielder would sign a fresh deal the following year but an agreement is yet to be reached, with the first rumblings that the prospect had rejected Villa’s contract offer coming in November 2021. A few months later, Villa boss Steven Gerrard shared in March that contract negotiations had not developed . He said: "As far as I know they haven't progressed. We've done everything we can from our side to try and make them progress. I'm not sure where that's up to at the moment." This allegedly prompted interest from several Premier League clubs, as well as European sides such as Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund being touted with a move. It was then claimed in May that Chukwuemeka’s agent had “met” with Barcelona officials to discuss a possible move. In a further development, football transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported on Monday evening that the Spanish giants hold a “serious interest” in the Villa starlet. It was stated that he is viewed by the Catalan club as a player with “huge potential” that would be available for a “training compensation” as early as January, if he doesn’t sign a new deal at B6. Gerrard will be eager for Chukwuemeka to put pen to paper, outlining his belief in the player after using him as a substitute against Liverpool in May: "He's hopefully going to be a big player for Aston Villa. We want him to stay here long-term.” “We believe it's the right place for Carney and, again, myself and the staff have shown huge trust putting an 18-year-old in but we wouldn't do it if we didn't think he was ready, or have the ability not to cope.” What do you think about Chukwuemeka’s situation? Let us know in the comments section below. READ NEXT:
Carney Chukwuemeka transfer latest: Aston Villa offer, Liverpool and Man United interest
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