Rangers transfers: ‘Huge’ Carney Chukwuemeka update
Rangers are unlikely to sign Chelsea star Carney Chukwuemeka in the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the “huge” financial package involved in any move for the midfielder has limited Rangers’ chances of a deal.
Their ability to offer European football is seen as a boost to their chances, but they will face competition from Premier League sides in their efforts.
Chukwuemeka, 21, has been a bit-part player at Stamford Bridge so far this season and has played just 63 minutes of football in four appearances across all competitions.
As a result, there is a growing expectation that he will be allowed to leave Chelsea either on loan or in a permanent move in the January transfer window.
Rangers had been interested in a potential loan move for the midfielder to bolster their squad, but do not have the financial muscle to lure him to Ibrox.
Rangers plot January swoop to sign Chelsea’s Carney Chukwuemeka
Chukwuemeka arrived at Stamford Bridge from Aston Villa as a highly-rated 18-year-old in 2022, in a deal worth £20million on a six-year deal.
However, he has made just 31 appearances for the Blues in that time and has been all but exiled from the team under Enzo Maresca’s management, such is the size of his squad.
With zero Premier League minutes to his name so far this season, a number of clubs have bene put on alert by the opportunity to bring him in in January.
Crystal Palace had been heavily linked with a move for the midfielder during the summer transfer window, while several other English clubs are also tracking his progress.
Football Insider revealed on 6 December that Celtic are also set to join the race for his signature, but would need Chelsea to contribute a percentage of his wages.
Rangers, meanwhile, have found themselves in a difficult financial position but are keen to add strength to their squad in January.
As a result, any agreement to sign Chukwuemeka on loan would need support from Chelsea, likely by way of paying a percentage of his wage bill, which sources say makes the deal unlikely.
In other news, Joe Gelhardt wants to leave Leeds amid Rangers’ interest.
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