Chelsea have reportedly turned down Borussia Dortmund’s attempts to sign Carney Chukwuemeka on loan, as the Blues remain firm in their stance to only consider a permanent transfer despite continued interest from the Bundesliga side.
Softfootball understands that Chukwuemeka, who moved for £20m from Aston Villa in 2022, remains surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea prefer to sell, rather than loan out the 21-year-old in the longer term.
Borussia Dortmund chief Sebastian Kehl says they want to keep Chukwuemeka. The 21-year-old joined the Bundesliga side in January on a short-term loan, however, the sporting director has admitted they will explore avenues to make the move permanent.
Dortmund have been in talks for several weeks in hopes of securing the 21-year-old on a temporary deal, but Chelsea have yet to give the green light. The Blues are reportedly only open to a permanent transfer or no move at all according to Fabrizio Romano. Via his X handle, he revealed:
Understand Chelsea are still closing doors to loan exit for Carney Chukwuemeka.
Borussia Dortmund have been in talks for weeks over loan but no green light from Chelsea.
#CFC want permanent exit or no way, as BVB also consider more options for new midfielder.
Dortmund are now considering other midfield options while monitoring the situation. Chukwuemeka has only made 32 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions since arriving from Villa Park for £20m (€23.1m/$27.3m) as an 18-year-old.
He made over half that number of appearances in just half a season with Dortmund and it may be believed that a permanent move abroad to Germany would be the right decision for his development. The young midfielder will hope to soon know where he will be playing his football next season.
Carney Chukwuemeka’s development has stalled somewhat in recent years, partly due to injury setbacks and due to the wave of new signings made under Chelsea owner Todd Boehly.
The 20-year-old hasn’t featured for England at any level since his appearances for the U20s in 2023, and i believe a permanent move to Borussia Dortmund could offer him the consistent playing time and stability he needs to reignite his club career and push for a return to the international stage.
