Napoli, under the management of Antonio Conte, are reportedly targeting Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka in the January transfer window. The Serie A giants have made an enquiry for the highly-rated Englishman, with Chelsea valuing the 21-year-old at around £30 million.
Chukwuemeka’s Struggles at Chelsea
Since joining Chelsea from Aston Villa for £20 million in August 2022, Chukwuemeka’s development has stalled. Persistent fitness issues and limited opportunities have seen him fall to the bottom of the midfield pecking order under current manager Enzo Maresca.
This season, Chukwuemeka has played just 130 minutes across five appearances in all competitions. While Maresca has spoken positively about the young midfielder’s talent, he has yet to become a regular fixture in Chelsea’s lineup. As a result, a move away from Stamford Bridge is now being considered, with Chelsea reportedly open to letting him leave in January.
Napoli’s Interest and the Need for Midfield Reinforcements
Napoli are looking to bolster their midfield in the winter transfer window, and Chukwuemeka has emerged as a viable target. Despite boasting a strong midfield, Conte is pushing for reinforcements to strengthen Napoli’s squad as they aim to maintain competitiveness in Serie A and Europe.
The Partenopei have reportedly submitted an enquiry about Chukwuemeka, hoping to beat rivals like AC Milan to his signature. Conte’s familiarity with the Premier League and Chelsea’s setup could give Napoli an edge in negotiations.
Chelsea’s Asking Price and the Transfer Outlook
Chelsea have set a £30 million price tag for Chukwuemeka, a figure that reflects their investment and the player’s potential. It remains unclear if Napoli are willing to meet this valuation, but Conte is reportedly eager to secure the midfielder’s services as part of his January plans.
For Chukwuemeka, a move to Serie A could offer a fresh start and the opportunity to revitalise his career. Napoli’s track record of developing talent and providing consistent game time makes them an appealing destination for the young midfielder.
Conclusion
While it remains uncertain if Napoli will pay the £30 million asking price, Conte’s interest in Chukwuemeka signals the Italian club’s intent to strengthen their midfield. A move to Serie A could provide the 21-year-old with a chance to unlock his potential, while Chelsea would likely benefit from a significant financial return on their initial investment.
As the January transfer window progresses, this deal is one to watch, with both clubs looking to finalise their plans for the second half of the season.