AliousCrystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing another Chelsea youngster, Carney Chukwuemeka, as they aim to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window. According to a report in Spain (via **Sport Witness**), the Eagles are looking to compete with Borussia Dortmund for the highly rated midfielder, who has struggled for game time at Stamford Bridge this season.
### Palace’s Transfer Push
Manager Oliver Glasner has made it clear that Crystal Palace are actively pursuing new additions to boost their Premier League campaign. The team has climbed to 15th in the table after a strong run of form and is only three points behind 12th-placed Tottenham Hotspur. With upcoming fixtures against several relegation candidates and mid-table sides, Palace are eager to use this window to solidify their squad and push further up the standings.
In his comments before Palace’s FA Cup victory over Stockport County, Glasner hinted at ongoing transfer negotiations:
> “We are working on two transfers. I don’t know how quick we will get them done. It looks okay, and then I will talk about the names.”
He also praised the team’s current spirit and development, emphasizing his desire to keep the squad together:
> “No one told me they want to leave. The players want to stay here.”
### Chukwuemeka: The “Artist” in Demand
Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka, who has been described as an “artist” by club legend Marcel Desailly for his flair and creativity, is reportedly on Palace’s radar. Desailly once said:
> “I like Carney Chukwuemeka because he is like an artist who comes onto the stage. He has got the ball. Now is my moment. Shine. You see the dribbling. He is sure about what he is going to do, and he is clinical.”
The 19-year-old England U21 international has seen limited opportunities at Chelsea this season, and a move away appears likely. However, Palace face stiff competition from Borussia Dortmund, who are also interested in securing the midfielder’s services.
### The Challenges for Palace
A move for Chukwuemeka is not without complications. Current Premier League rules prohibit a club from having more than one loan player from the same team, and Palace have already secured Trevoh Chalobah on loan from Chelsea. As a result, the Eagles would need to pursue a permanent deal for Chukwuemeka, which comes with a hefty £40 million release clause. Additionally, the player’s reported £100,000-a-week wages could prove a stumbling block, especially given that Palace’s captain Marc Guehi earns just half of that amount.
There is, however, a potential workaround. If Chelsea were to recall Guehi from his loan—an option still on the table—a loan deal for Chukwuemeka could become feasible. However, this would leave a significant gap in Palace’s defense, as Chalobah has been a key figure in their backline.
### What’s Next?
As the transfer window progresses, Crystal Palace will need to act swiftly to secure their targets while navigating these financial and logistical challenges. Whether they can pull off a deal for Chukwuemeka or pivot to alternative options remains to be seen, but the Eagles’ ambition to continue climbing the table is clear.
Alious
