While they continue to talk about a deal for Raheem Sterling, Manchester United has made an unexpected bid for another Chelsea player.
Enzo Maresca, the new Blues manager, has told Sterling to leave Stamford Bridge, and the Red Devils have shown interest in recruiting him.
Manchester United is reportedly considering a deadline-day approach for Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka, another player the west Londoners may be able to offload before the 11 p.m. deadline, according to Sky Sports.
Chukwuemeka was acquired by Chelsea from Aston Villa in the summer of 2022, and during his debut year at Stamford Bridge, he participated in 14 Premier League games.
The 20-year-old found first-team opportunities harder to come by last term, however, and has now featured in any of Chelsea’s matchday squads under new manager Maresca.
Chelsea had been in talks to sell Sterling to Manchester United but the winger’s most likely destination now appears to be Arsenal.
The Blues are still expected to agree a deal with United, however, with Jadon Sancho edging closer to a surprise move to Stamford Bridge.
His proposed switch to west London will be a standalone deal and separate from any potential transfer involving England U20 international Chukwuemeka.
Chukwuemeka is one of several players Chelsea are willing to offload before the summer transfer window closes and Jamie Redknapp admits he ‘feels sorry’ for several within the Stamford Bridge squad.
‘I feel sorry for some of the players [at Chelsea],’ the former England midfielder told Sky Sports.
‘There have been things that I obviously don’t like, with things that have obviously happened on the matchday – when Sterling put out the statement, I thought that was inappropriate.
‘When you’ve got so many players you’re not going to keep everyone happy and that’s the predicament they have.
‘You cannot force a player to leave. Some players will want to play some will be happy to sit on the bench and just train. it doesn’t help the atmosphere at the club.’