Arsenal and Manchester United join Barcelona in transfer battle for Aston Villa and England youngster

Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester United are the latest clubs to show a interest in Aston Villa’s talented young midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka.

The England Under-19 international enjoyed a productive year in the Premier League last season as he made 12 top flight appearances for Steven Gerrard’s side.

However, talks over extending his current deal, which is set to end next season, are yet to come to a successful conclusion and Villa could lose their prized asset to a club in Europe for a relatively modest fee.

Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund are said to hold a significant interest in Chukwuemeka but it is two clubs far closer to home that are believed to be the latest to show a willingness to offer the youngster a route out of Villa Park.

Arsenal and Manchester United are hoping to secure a ‘cut-price’ deal for the midfielder, according to 90Min.

However, the Premier League duo would not be eligible to pick up the 18-year-old for a similar price to their continental counterparts and would be forced to agree a fee with Villa or take the deal to a tribunal.

Villa are still hoping to secure the future of one of their brightest stars over the coming weeks - but Chukwuemeka as been issued with a warning by former Villa star Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Speaking to Football Insider, the former Villa favourite said: “There are a lot of competition for the position he plays in. It’s a difficult situation but I’m sure Aston Villa won’t be bullied.

“Even if he signs a new contract, Steven Gerrard is going to play his best team to get results. He’s not going to play Chukwuemeka just because he wants to give him starts for a new contract.

“If you look at Aston Villa, Chukwuemeka doesn’t go into that starting XI, you’ve got to earn that like Jacob Ramsey did.

“Sometimes you’ve got to back yourself to get into the first team and stay in it.”

Newcastle United and Manchester City have also been linked with the young midfielder.