Although Carney Chukwuemeka’s loan move from Chelsea to Borussia Dortmund has been a mixed bag, he has shown plenty of promise.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 21-year-old has done enough to convince the Bundesliga club that he’s worth keeping.
Chukwuemeka has impressed the decision-makers at Signal Iduna Park, who are now seriously considering keeping him beyond this summer.
The Austrian-born English midfielder joined Dortmund in January. He was deemed surplus to requirements at Chelsea, so a mid-season exit was the best move for all parties.
Chukwuemeka has only shown flashes of his potential at Chelsea. Recurring injury problems have hampered his development, but his loan move to Dortmund has offered him some semblance of stability.
Since joining the German outfit, he has made significant strides. His playing time and fitness have improved.
His technical ability and immense quality are also beginning to shine through in Germany. Since joining Dortmund, Chukwuemeka has featured 10 times across all competitions.
He opened his goalscoring account earlier this month in the 4-1 win against SC Freiburg, although he hasn’t added to his tally since.
Dortmund have seen enough to believe Chukwuemeka has more to offer, and they want to get the best out of the once-promising midfielder.
Chukwuemeka’s loan move to Dortmund had a buy option clause set at around £25.7 million. Dortmund want to keep him, but not at that price.
The midfielder is valued at £12.8m on Transfermarkt. Chelsea will be keen to sell above that valuation after paying around £20m to sign him from Aston Villa.
However, the only way they’ll get a fee remotely close to their initial investment is if Chukwuemeka maintains his upward trajectory until the end of the season.
If he keeps getting into Niko Kovac’s side, it shouldn’t be too much to ask.
