No more loans: Chelsea insist on permanent transfer of Chukwuemeka amid Dortmund interest

Chelsea have turned down Borussia Dortmund’s renewed attempts to sign Carney Chukwuemeka on another loan deal, insisting on a permanent transfer for the 21-year-old midfielder, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Dortmund had hoped to extend Chukwuemeka’s stay after bringing him in on loan during the second half of the 2024/25 season. 

Talks between the two clubs have been ongoing for several weeks, but Chelsea are keen to offload the former England youth international of Nigerian descent permanently as they seek to trim their bloated squad ahead of the new campaign.

Chukwuemeka joined Chelsea from Aston Villa in 2022 for a reported £20 million fee, but has struggled to secure a consistent place in the first team due to injuries and fierce competition for midfield spots. 

His time at Dortmund has also been disrupted by fitness issues, limiting his impact in the Bundesliga. 

Nonetheless, he featured in all three of Dortmund’s group-stage matches at the FIFA Club World Cup in June 2025, including a 1-0 win over South Korea’s Ulsan HD.

Despite Dortmund’s quarter-final exit at the hands of Real Madrid, sporting director Sebastian Kehl remained impressed with Chukwuemeka’s performances. 

"He has immense potential as a box-to-box midfielder," Kehl said, hinting at the club’s desire to retain him beyond the summer.

However, Chelsea’s firm position has complicated matters. The Blues are understood to prefer a clean break, allowing them to generate funds and make space for other midfield options. 

With no agreement in place, Chukwuemeka now faces an uncertain future, with the possibility of returning to Chelsea’s reserve squad if no buyer is found before the end of the transfer window.

Wale Adejumo

Photo Credit: chelseafc.com

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