Carney Chukwuemeka has an uncertain future at Aston Villa as he’s out of contract in 2023 and is stalling on a new deal amid interest from clubs overseas. The 18-year-old is highly regarded at Villa and was once called the best 16-year-old in the country years ago, so he’d be an asset for Steven Gerrard in years to come.
There’s a genuine fear that Chukwuemeka could be on his way out, however, as he’s unwilling to commit his future beyond next year. Villa are trying desperately to tie to the midfielder down to a new contract, but Pete O’Rourke admits Gerrard’s efforts have so far been futile.
He told Give Me Sport: “It’s been a priority for Villa for a while now to sort out his long-term future. He has been linked with a move for the last couple of transfer windows. He’s obviously highly-rated, and they have high hopes for him, so Gerrard will be desperate to keep him in the long-term to see how he can fit into the Aston Villa team.”
Chukwuemeka has risen through the youth ranks to the Villa first-team, scoring three goals with five assists from 28 games for the U18s, scoring 10 goals with eight assists from 26 games for the U23s and grabbing one assist from 16 games for the seniors. He’s scored five goals with four assists in 12 games for England U19s too, so the secret is out about his potential.
Arsenal and Barcelona are among the sides to be linked with Chukwuemeka, so few could blame him for weighing up his options. And with the 18-year-old seeing how Jude Bellingham flourished with regular playing time abroad as teenagers, might he be tempted to follow in the midfielder’s footsteps?
Monday 7am
In other news, Keinan Davis tipped to join Aston Villa first-team next season
