Carney Chukwuemeka reacts to ‘incredible’ Jobe Bellingham message
Chelsea are still weighing up whether to send Carney Chukwuemeka back to Borussia Dortmund alongside Jobe Bellingham this summer.
Jobe Bellingham followed the path set by his brother Jude by joining Dortmund in a £27million plus add-ons move from Sunderland, and made an immediate impact with a goal in his first Club World Cup start.
Bellingham is currently the only English player in the Black-Yellows’ squad after Jamie Gittens’ own move to Chelsea during the tournament, but Chukwuemeka could be on his way back to the Westfalenstadion.
Chukwuemeka was loaned out to Dortmund midway through last season and made 17 appearances in all competitions, but Chelsea and the Bundesliga side have been unable to agree a permanent deal so far.
‘More to come’ as Bellingham prepares for Dortmund decision
Borussia Dortmund didn’t activate their option to buy Chukwuemeka this summer in a bid to agree another season-long loan deal with Chelsea, but talks have failed to progress between the two clubs.
Chukwuemeka has seen recent Chelsea arrival Andrey Santos take his shirt number of 17 after his own Blues debut this summer, and that could leave the writing on the wall for his future at Stamford Bridge.
Bellingham has also undergone a squad number change from 77 to seven at Borussia Dortmund after sporting the former at the Club World Cup, and posted on Instagram after his official unveiling.
Dortmund’s new number seven’s message on 12 August said: “Thank you for the incredible welcome to Westfalenstadion! Pre-season is over and time for a big season ahead. Lots more to come.”
Chukwuemeka responded to the post, leaving two heart hands emojis to show his support.
Chelsea to accelerate exodus amid Chukwuemeka stalemate
Football Insider Verdict
Chelsea and Dortmund may have struggled to come to an agreement on Chukwuemeka’s future so far this summer, but other clubs across the Premier League and Europe will also shape as potential suitors.
Everton and West Ham both kept tabs on Chukwuemeka’s situation as talks between Dortmund and Chelsea came to a halt, and it remains to be seen if David Moyes or Graham Potter will re-enter the race.
With Chelsea also keen to sell big earners like Raheem Sterling and Christopher Nkunku this summer, moving Chukwuemeka off the books may eventually prove to be one of their easier pieces of business.