Carney Chukwuemeka's shock Chelsea release clause revealed

Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka is reported to have a £40m release clause in his contract at Stamford Bridge, which could pave the way for an exit as a loan is off the table.

Chukwuemeka only joined Chelsea in the summer of 2022 when the Blues splashed out £20m, despite the then 18-year-old having just 16 first-team games under his belt with Aston Villa.

Injuries have largely limited his opportunities to play since then, while this week’s arrival of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has only added to competition for midfield places alongside Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Lesley Ugochukwu and, if he isn't sold, Conor Gallagher.

There have been links with AC Milan in recent days, but Chelsea are increasingly believed to only be interested in a permanent sale. Fabrizio Romano writes that the Blues have rejected "every approach for potential loan" in recent months and do not want to sanction a loan move.

If a suitor were to trigger the release clause, Chelsea would potentially double their investment in just two years, but it would be down to the player to decide. Whether any club would have either the resources or willingness to spend that much on a relatively untested talent remains to be seen.

Chelsea have wasted little time in trying to refresh the squad for new manager Enzo Maresca, continuing to target developing players yet to reach their peak.

At the age of 26, Tosin Adarabioyo is a relative veteran following his free transfer upon leaving Fulham. Dewsbury-Hall is 25 but Marc Guiu, signed from Barcelona, and Omari Kellyman, brought in from Aston Villa, are both just 18. Brazilian prodigy Estevao Willian is 17 and will make the move from Palmeiras next summer after he turns 18. The same will also happen with Kendry Paez.

READ THE LATEST TRANSFER NEWS & GOSSIP FROM AROUND THE WORLD