Chelsea are reportedly prepared to allow the loan exit of Carney Chukwuemeka in January.
The 21-year-old has been limited to a fringe role in the plans of Enzo Maresca this season, last featuring during the Blues' 2-0 win over Heidenheim in the Conference League in late November.
Chukwuemeka has failed to make a Premier League appearance for Chelsea so far in 2024-25, despite earning 23 appearances in the top flight during the previous two campaigns.
The midfielder has relative international pedigree, having represented England at Under-20 level, whilst receiving his maiden Under-21 call-up earlier in 2024.
Since making the £20m switch from fellow Premier League club Aston Villa in August 2022, Chukwuemeka has played in 31 first-team matches for the Stamford Bridge club, scoring twice.
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Chelsea prepared to loan Chukwuemeka in New Year?
According to TBR Football, Chelsea have made a decision regarding the short-term future of Chukwuemeka ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.
The report states that the Blues are willing to sanction a loan exit of the former Northampton Town academy star for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign.
It is understood that Maresca's men are actively looking to offload the 21-year-old, offering his services to Scottish and European giants Celtic.
As well as Brendan Rodgers's Bhoys, it is believed that Rangers have also been given the chance to sign Chukwuemeka on a temporary deal in the New Year.
The midfielder is set for another watching brief as Liverpool-chasing Chelsea visit the home of London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
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Celtic or Rangers for Chukwuemeka?
Should Chukwuemeka switch to either Celtic or Rangers in January, the Chelsea man would be joining a club with major expectations and history.
The Hoops look on course for their fourth straight Scottish Premiership title, currently sitting seven points clear of second-placed Aberdeen in the league table.
Celtic are also proving to be a serious player on the continent this campaign, with a real chance of advancing into the knockout stages of the Champions League.
On the other hand, Rangers are battling down in the Europa League and could be a less attractive proposition, however Chukwuemeka is likely to receive better assurances of game time at Ibrox.
Carter White
