Bundesliga giants seriously consider launching January move to sign 21-year-old Chelsea star: Reports

Borussia Dortmund are considering a move to sign out-of-favour Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka this month, as per journalist Patrick Berger. The Blues are prepared to sanction an exit for the England U-21 international after he failed to earn a place in the plans of coach Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea signed Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa in 2022, but a series of injuries over the years have limited him to 32 senior appearances. The 21-year-old has been made available for a transfer this month. The Blues were also keen to send him out on loan in the summer but failed to do so.

Berger has reported that Borussia Dortmund manager Nuri Sahin is a big fan of Chukwuemeka's and is willing to sanction a deal to have the youngster join them. The Bundesliga giants are looking to possibly land the midfielder on loan, as they are keen to strengthen their ranks this month.

Chukwuemeka has been left out of the Chelsea squad to face minnows Morecambe in the FA Cup third round, presumably to help him avoid injury. The youngster has had just 130 minutes of action this season and has not been included in a single Premier League matchday squad.

Chelsea have considered sending the former Aston Villa youngster to sister club Strasbourg, but that will require them to recall one of their other loanees to the club. The return of Aaron Anselmino to the club has, however, opened up an opportunity for Chukwuemeka to head out on loan this month.

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Chelsea leave out quintet from squad for FA Cup clash

Enzo Maresca has made 10 changes to his starting XI for the FA Cup game against League Two strugglers Morecambe at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The coach, however, dropped all of Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka, Cesare Casadei, Moises Caicedo, and Noni Madueke.

Maresca clearly stated in his pre-match press conference that both Chilwell and Casadei will not be risked because the club is looking to move them on. It is assumed that England U-21 star Chukwuemeka falls in the same category as the duo, while the absence of Madueke and Caicedo are unexplained.

Maresca said (via Mirror):

“Chilwell, for him, he is thinking about to leave so it is better to avoid using him and avoid injuries and these type of things. The plan is to not use Ben tomorrow. Cesare will not be in the squad. It's more or less the same situation as Ben. The plan is to not give him minutes if there is an opportunity for him to go and play.”

Chelsea have received major boosts for the game, with both captain Reece James and Romeo Lavia returning to the starting XI for the side. Teenage star Josh Acheampong starts on the bench, while fellow 18-year-olds Tyrique George and Marc Guiu start for the side.