Chelsea are reportedly being forced to consider lowering their asking price for Carney Chukwuemeka due to their own blunder.
Enzo Maresca is orchestrating a major rebuild at Stamford Bridge this summer, with nine players already arriving and more signings expected. Pedro Neto, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Filip Jorgensen are among those who have joined the Blues, with Joao Felix now being eyed.
Chelsea are also hoping to offload several stars before the transfer window closes, with Conor Gallagher and Ben Chilwell among those who are expected to depart.
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According to The Sun, the Blues are also hoping to strike a deal which would see Chukwuemeka leave the club. However, they are struggling to find suitors for the 20-year-old due to his financial demands.
Chukwuemeka joined the Blues from Aston Villa in a deal reportedly worth £20million. The midfielder was offered a six-year contract with the club and a significant pay rise, which he accepted.
But the Blues’ decision to hand the playmaker an almighty contract after he had made just 14 Premier League appearances has proved a costly decision, as it has now been ruled that he is surplus to requirements and that a sale would be best for all parties.
Chelsea had previously made it clear that they would like to double their money on Chukwuemeka and inserted a £40m release clause into the contract of their No. 17. But with a lack of suitors reportedly coming forward with suitable offers due to his high wages, the Blues are now considering lowering their asking price.
Maresca’s side are reportedly hoping that a lower valuation will encourage bidders to enter the fray.
Todd Boehly has made it his mission to invest in young prospects since he became Chelsea owner, but cracks are now starting to show clearly in his plan. The American businessman has handed new signings big contracts in the hope of retaining their services for extended periods of time, with seven and eight-year deals now becoming the new normal at Stamford Bridge.
However, the higher powers at Chelsea will now be able to see the significant risk in implementing such a plan as it is now proving tough to offload those who do not meet the mark. With players guaranteed years of taking home a sizeable salary, it will take a good offer to turn their head.
