Barcelona weighing up late swoop for Chelsea starlet, player open to move

FC Barcelona were eager to sign a new holding midfielder coming into the summer transfer window and were linked with a host of players ranging from Joshua Kimmich to Mikel Merino and Amadou Onana.

However, the Catalans opted to focus more on attacking signings and with youngsters like Marc Casado and Marc Bernal stepping up in pre-season, the idea of bringing in a new central midfielder completely took a backseat.

So much so that, manager Hansi Flick confirmed after the friendly against AC Milan that Barcelona do not intend to bring in a new midfielder.

Carney Chukwuemeka an option if things change

However, with still three weeks left before the transfer window closes, it is not entirely ruled out that a new midfielder does arrive at Barcelona.

To that end, Toni Juanmarti of SPORT reports that the Blaugrana have set their sights on Chelsea youngster Carney Chukwuemeka as an option to reinforce the midfield later in the summer window.

Indeed, Chukwuemeka is very high on Barça’s agenda if the club finally decides to go to the market in search of a midfielder.

The Chelsea starlet is liked by Barcelona for his dynamic and versatile profile and, in fact, in recent weeks there have already been contacts between both clubs and also his agents to sound out the operation.

Chukwuemeka would be open to jump

The report further adds that so far, Chelsea have reiterated their desire to keep Chukwuemeka. However, the youngster senses that he will have a very limited role with Enzo Maresca and would be willing to wear the Blaugrana shirt.

Barcelona had begun work on the operation for the 20-year-old Chelsea prospect before the start of the pre-season but hit standby when Bernal and Casado.

At the moment, Flick feels that he does not need any more midfielders as he is very satisfied with the performances of Casado and Bernal. However, Barcelona are keeping Chukwuemeka as an option in the back pocket if the manager changes his mind.

For now, Chukwuemeka is hoping for a move from Barça which seems unlikely. But the youngster is aware that, in August, things can change in the blink of an eye – injuries, unexpected departures, changes in coaches’ preferences.