Juventus join list of suitors for Chukwuemeka, with Blues holding out for a £40m

Juventus have joined the lengthy list of clubs asking about Carney Chukwuemeka.

Chelsea have already dismissed loan offers from Borussia Dortmund and insist he is only available in a permanent sale close to his £40million buy out.

The Italian giants are exploring midfield reinforcements with Douglas Luiz nearing an initial loan move to Nottingham Forest, and Chukwuemeka has emerged as one of their leading targets.

Dortmund, who took the 21-year-old on loan for the second half of last season, had hoped to bring him back to Germany but have been left frustrated by Chelsea’s demands.

The Bundesliga side would be interested in another temporary deal, but the Blues’ hierarchy are keen on a permanent move.

Chukwuemeka joined Chelsea from Aston Villa in 2022 for a fee of around £20m, moving amid high expectations after starring for England’s youth sides. Yet his time in west London has been stop-start. He has been limited to just 32 senior appearances in all competitions, with injuries and fierce competition for places curtailing his opportunities.

The midfielder showed flashes of his ability during his loan at Dortmund last term, where he made 14 appearances, but was unable to establish himself as a guaranteed starter. He scored once as the German club secured Champions League qualification.

Juventus, under manager Igor Tudor, view Chukwuemeka as a versatile option capable of operating either as a central midfielder or further forward.

The Serie A side, who enquired about the midfielder in January, are expected to continue discussions in the coming days, but will need to come close to Chelsea’s valuation.

With West Ham and Napoli also reportedly monitoring his situation, the race for his signature could intensify as the transfer deadline approaches.