Chelsea attacker Carney Chukwuemeka is closing in on a permanent move to Borussia Dortmund, with talks between the Bundesliga club and the Blues now back in an advanced stage.
The 21-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Dortmund, impressing enough to spark a summer-long pursuit.
Discussions initially broke down after Chelsea rejected Dortmund’s push for a loan with obligation to buy next summer.
The Blues have remained firm in their stance that only a permanent deal will be sanctioned, with Serie A clubs Juventus and Napoli also demonstrating interest throughout the summer.
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Chukwuemeka signed a new contract earlier this year that runs until 2027 and includes a £40m release clause.
The England youth international has currently been training with Chelsea’s so-called “bomb squad” — a group of players training away from the first-team and pushing for a move away as they have been told they are not a part of manager Enzo Maresca’s plans.
This includes players like Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi, Alex Matos, Alfie Gilchrist and David Datro Fofana, all of whom are for sale.
What’s the latest on Chukwuemeka’s future?
According to reports, Dortmund had previously valued the England youth international at around £20m, but negotiations have moved forward positively in recent days.
Fabrizio Romano reported on Thursday (August 21) that talks for a permanent deal were advancing positively, as per Chelsea’s insistence.
🚨🟡⚫️ Borussia Dortmund are now in advanced talks with Chelsea to sign Carney Chukwuemeka on permanent deal from Chelsea.#CFC always requested permanent and the deal is advancing.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 21, 2025
👀🇦🇷 Borussia Dortmund also want Aaron Anselmino on loan, as @berger_pj reports. pic.twitter.com/Vb4JZSiSPf
Chukwuemeka has been pushing hard for a return to Signal Iduna Park for much of the summer, and the forward looks set to finally get his wish.
Nico Kovac’s side are reportedly also interested in taking Chelsea’s new signing Aaron Anselmino on loan for the season.
But as per reports from Romano, the Blues are understood to have made that contingent on Chukwuemeka’s exit being permanent.
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