Carney Chukwuemeka is perhaps Aston Villa’s worst-kept secret. The 17-year-old is already a regular in the under-23s, was called the best player in England among his age group by Christian Purslow last year and has been tipped for a bright future, so it’s not surprising that he’s attracting interest from a number of European giants.
Tom Roddy of The Times reported that Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Juventus and Manchester City (winners of a combined 17 European Cups) are interested in the 6 foot 1 midfielder, described by The Sun as a ‘powerhouse’, so his future in the Midlands could be uncertain.
Chukwuemeka has made 19 appearances for the under-18s, scoring two goals and supplying six assists, but he was promoted to the reserve team at the age of just 16. He has gone on to make 16 appearances for the under-23s, supplying two assists, and has been training with the first team as a reward for his development.
The 17-year-old signed his first professional contract at the start of this season and is working on progressing through the youth ranks to the first team, but Dean Smith has so far resisted promoting academy talent en masse.
The Sun added that Manchester United have watched Chukwuemeka for a year and may be willing to spend big money like they did on Amad Diallo (£19m) and Facundo Pellistri (£10m), so might Villa receive a lucrative offer soon?
READ ASTON VILLA VERDICT
Villa should resist all offers for Chukwuemeka, but the growing interest risks distracting the wonderkid. Not yet being in a matchday squad at senior level may irk him, too.
Jude Bellingham left Birmingham City at 17 and has already become a regular at Borussia Dortmund, so Chukwuemeka might be lured away if he is promised first team football at an elite European club.
