Chelsea transfer news: Will Carney Chukwuemeka attract Premier League offers in January?

When Enzo Maresca was appointed as Blues head coach in the summer, he stated on several occasions that the playmaker ideally required a loan move to play '35 times a season'.

However, a suitable proposal was not presented to Chelsea and it has led to the 21-year-old spending yet another frustrating period at Stamford Bridge.

Chukwuemeka was provided with some much-needed game time on Thursday night, featuring for 66 minutes as Chelsea earned a 3-1 victory over Astana in the Conference League.

Nevertheless, a former scout has suggested to Football Insider that it may not help his case to earn Premier League football from January onwards.

Foreign bids most likely?

Ex-Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers chief scout Mick Brown has told the outlet that his lack of minutes in England's top flight could convince any admirers to look elsewhere.

He said: "There is definitely interest in January, yes, but I'm told there are doubts among Premier League sides about whether he could make a significant impact given his lack of experience at the top level.

"That's the thing with a loan move, which this would likely be in January, clubs want immediate impact."

Brown added: "He may be better suited going to Europe where I've heard there is some interest."

While Chukwuemeka has made 37 Premier League appearances during his career, just 880 minutes have been accumulated during that time.

Furthermore, the former Aston Villa youngster is yet to complete 90 minutes in a senior fixture during his career.

What would be the best solution?

As well as lingering interest from Spain and Italy, reports have indicated that Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers are monitoring the situation.

Rather than a risk in one of European football's higher-profile leagues, a short-term stint North of the border would theoretically make more sense.

Of the aforementioned Old Firm clubs, moving to Rangers seems more logical, there being scope for Rangers to play more fixtures in the Europa League knockout rounds than Celtic may earn in the Champions League.

Written by

Darren Plant