European giants' director keen to sign Chelsea outcast in January - Reports

AC Milan are reportedly interested to snap up Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka. The 21-year-old arrived from Aston Villa in the summer of 2022 but has slipped down the pecking order under boss Enzo Maresca this season.

Chukwuemeka is contracted with Stamford Bridge till 2028 but has appeared just two times this campaign, both from the bench. One of those appearances came in a 14-minute cameo in the 7-0 home win over Carrow in their EFL Cup opener.

The other came on matchday two of the UEFA Europa Conference League, a 4-1 win at Panathinaikos, with Chukwuemeka coming on for 13 minutes. The Englishman is yet to appear in the Premier League, where the Blues are fifth after nine games, six points off leaders Manchester City.

The £20 million arrival's situation at Stamford Bridge is unlikely to improve anytime soon. However, as per Calciomercat (via TBR), Milan could offer him a shot at regular football when the transfer window reopens in January. The club's technical director Geoffrey Moncada is said to be interested in signing the player.

However, the Rossoneri would only go through with a move if some non-EU players move out. If that happens, the Serie A giants could sign Chukwuemeka on loan in January with an option to buy.

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What's next for Chelsea?

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca

Chelsea have had a decent start to life under new head coach Enzo Maresca, who succeeded Mauricio Pochettino, who left at the end of the 2023-24 season. The Italian is coming off a Championship win with Leicester City, the 2015-16 Premier League champions.

After a 2-0 home defeat to City in their Premier League opener, the Blues have lost just twice in their next 13 outings across competitions. Following their latest defeat - a 2-1 loss at Liverpool in the league - Maresca's side have won their next two outings across competitions.

Following a 2-1 home win over Newcastle United in the Premier League at the weekend, the Blues next take on the Magpies again, this time away in the EFL Cup fourth round on Wednesday (October 30).

Four days later, they return to league action at Manchester United, who have recently parted ways with boss Erik ten Hag after a 2-1 weekend defeat at West Ham United had left them languishing in 14th place in the league.