Fabrizio Romano responds to reports linking Chelsea midfielder Chukwuemeka with Galatasaray

Italian transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano has responded to speculation in the media linking England youth international of Nigerian descent, Carney Chukwuemeka with a loan move to Galatasaray before the close of the Turkish transfer window.

Romano has dismissed the possibility of the central midfielder heading to Galatasaray on loan for the remainder of the season, saying that Chelsea only want an outright sale.

It is believed that Galatasaray are in the market for a central midfielder, having shown interest in Nigeria international Raphael Onyedika, though they haven't reached an agreement with Club Brugge yet.

Chukwuemeka's absence from the first three Premier League fixtures suggests that he is not in Blues boss Enzo Maresca's current plans.

The 20-year-old is behind Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in Maresca's pecking order of midfielders, and has not received any playing time since the season started. 

It has been reported that the Turkish champions are making attempts to sign Chukwuemeka and are trying to convince him to join the Istanbul giants.

Reacting to Chukwuemeka's links with Galatasaray, Romano told CaughtOffside for the latest edition of his Daily Briefing column : "Despite links, I’m not aware of concrete talks with Galatasaray over Chukwuemeka so far.

"Chelsea always considered Carney only available on a permanent deal, not on loan… so the only way would be to change Chelsea management’s mind, but this hasn’t happened so far."

Chukwuemeka has been on the books of Chelsea for two years, following his transfer from Aston Villa in August 2022.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: chelseafc.com

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