West Ham looked set for double disappointment in their bid to sign Chelsea star Carney Chukwuemeka but there’s been a big twist.
West Ham actually held talks with Premier League rivals Chelsea over a number of deals in the summer.
Chelsea chief Todd Boehly even offered Raheem Sterling to the Hammers.
The Hammers were also linked with defender Trevoh Chalobah, forward David Datro Fofana and made a last ditch move for Carney Chukwuemeka.
In the end, West Ham did not get any of those deals done.
But their interest in Blues outcast Chukwuemeka has persisted to the winter window.
West Ham’s midfield has been at the heart of all its problems this season.
As a unit it is slow and immobile with a hodge podge of players who do not complement each other well at all.
It offers little protection to the back four and even less going forward.
Chukwuemeka has all the attributes the Hammers need in a midfield sorely lacking in athleticism, pace, power and guile.
The 21-year-old former Villa star an play both centrally and out wide.
He is athletic, skilful and can really get around the pitch.
West Ham deal with Chelsea sensationally back on
Chelsea have been flying under former West Ham assistant boss Enzo Maresca.
The Italian has been very clear with his players and the press about who is – and isn’t – part of his plans at Chelsea.
West Ham failed with a summer deadline day move for Chukwuemeka and he remained at Stamford Bridge.
However, the talented star has not played a single minute of Premier League football and has made just one start for the Blues – in the Europa Conference League.
Earlier in the season Maresca praised Chukwuemeka’s talent but admitted he should leave to get games elsewhere.
Maresca then doubled down on those comments, saying Chukwuemeka will be one of the first who wants to leave next month – and he will try to help make that happen.
The problem for West Ham was that Chelsea were reportedly adamant they will only accept a permanent move and wanted as much as £40m for Chukwuemeka.
That would certainly rule out the Hammers, who have to look at loans due to PSR constraints.
Now a West Ham deal sensationally back on as Chelsea change their Chukwuemeka stance.
Bobby Vincent, Chelsea writer for Football London, spoke to Maresca about the club’s plans for the midfielder in January.
Chelsea change stance on Hammers target Chukwuemeka
While Chelsea will not listen to offers at less than Chukwuemeka’s £40m release clause, they are now willing to loan out the top talent.
“The 21-year-old has been told by Maresca on numerous occasions that he should look to leave in order to play more regular football,” Vincent reports.
“While Chukwuemeka has a £40million release clause that could be activated this month, the club would also consider sending him on loan to continue his development.”
The news comes amid renewed interest from the Hammers in the player.
A loan deal would suit West Ham, perhaps with an option or obligation to make it permanent for the release clause if things go well.
The Hammers will expect to have money to play with in the summer if Mohammed Kudus leaves for his own £85m release clause.
Sky Sports has confirmed that West Ham “are looking at central midfield in January, having wanted to add another player there in the summer”.
That player was Chukwuemeka, so this change of stance from Chelsea is huge news for the Hammers.
West Ham are also looking to sign a striker.
Although it won’t be Evan Ferguson after West Ham confirmed they have been told the player is injured.
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