Aston Villa correspondent Ashley Preece has claimed that AC Milan have been in contact over a move for Carney Chukwuemeka.
The Lowdown: Milan linked with Chukwuemeka
Chukwuemeka, who Steven Gerrard has backed to become “a big player for Aston Villa”, was left out of Villa’s pre-season tour of Australia and is into the final 12 months of his contract.
The 18-year-old has failed to agree on a new deal in the Midlands and is thought to be holding out for a staggering £100,000 per week.
That has resulted in Villa placing a £20m price tag on him, with reports last month suggesting that AC Milan are preparing an opening offer in the region of £8.5m.
The Latest: Preece’s comments
Preece was asked by one Villa supporter in a Q&A for Birmingham Live if Chukwuemeka is ‘definitely going’.
The reporter replied by saying that Milan are ‘strong favourites’ for the teenager’s services and have been in contact over a transfer.
Preece stated:
“Carney; sticking point is Villa’s asking price £20m+. Milan simply not paying that. Milan strong, strong favourites to get him; contact has been made. Don’t expect deal to be wrapped up until later this month, though. I can’t see Villa selling to another PL club, either, no matter what the price. Milan very much front-runners.”
The Verdict: Cash in
It could be best for all involved if a deal can be reached this summer, even if it is below Villa’s £20m asking price, as it doesn’t look as if Chukwuemeka will be featuring regularly this season after being left out of the squad for the pre-season tour.
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The 18-year-old won’t want to be sitting on the sidelines for the next 12 months, and Villa won’t want to lose their exciting youngster for nothing in a potential pre-contract agreement next January.
Therefore, Milan and Villa meeting in the middle at around £13m-£15m could leave everyone fairly happy.