Crystal Palace in pole position to sign Chelsea star linked with AC Milan and Napoli - Reports 

Crystal Palace are reportedly leading the race to sign Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka this summer, according to The Sun. It comes in the wake of the youngster being excluded from their Premier League opener against Manchester City.

Chukwuemeka, 20, joined the Blues in the summer of 2022 from Aston Villa for a reported transfer fee in the region of £20 million. Despite his enormous potential, the midfielder hasn't quite made his mark at Chelsea as he has had to battle with injuries.

The England youth international managed just 227 minutes of Premier League action during the 2023-24 campaign. The Blues could be willing to let the player leave this summer, and Palace are believed to be in pole position to sign the highly rated midfielder.

The Eagles are monitoring Chukwuemeka's situation under new head coach Enzo Maresca. However, they aren't expected to have a free run at the player's signature, as it's believed that Napoli and AC Milan are also keen on signing the player.

It remains to be seen whether the Blues allow Chukwuemeka to leave permanently this summer or only sanctions a loan move.

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Enzo Maresca on Carney Chukwuemeka's potential playing time for Chelsea this season

There seems to be growing uncertainty surrounding the future of a couple of Chelsea first-team players under head coach Enzo Maresca. The Italian is keen on trimming down his first-team squad.

However, that will affect the game time and even future of a couple of first-team players. Notable mentions include the likes of Raheem Sterling, Armando Broja, Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka.

All four players didn't play in the Blues' Premier League opener against Manchester City and were neither named on the bench. When asked about what the future holds for 20-year-old star Chukwuemeka this season, Maresca said:

"I think every case is different. Carney, I think he is a very good player. The problem is, because of some injuries in the past, I think the best for him is to play 30 or 35 games in a row, to show himself that he is fit and how good he is because he is very good. With us, is he going to play 35 games? I'm not sure."

It will be interesting to see what decision will be made on the player's future before the end of the transfer window.