Celtic considering shock January swoop for £20m Aston Villa academy product

Chukwuemeka is reportedly a winter transfer target for Celtic as the Scottish Premiership champions seek to bolster their attacking midfield options.

The Bhoys, unbeaten with 14 wins and one draw in 15 matches, are currently leading the Scottish top-tier standings by nine points. Aberdeen remain the closest challengers but Jimmy Thelin’s side have failed to win any of their last five league fixtures, allowing Celtic to canter away at the summit.

Football Insider reports Celtic, despite already asserting their dominance in the Premiership, are keen to add further quality to their squad this January. It’s claimed Chukwuemeka is being considered as a target as he’s seemingly unwanted by new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.

Since joining the Blues from Aston Villa for £20million in 2022, Chukwuemeka has accumulated just 679 competitive minutes. The Villa academy product has had injuries to contend with in this time but the main issue has been the vast competition for places at Stamford Bridge.

The report from Football Insider suggests a loan move would benefit all parties as Chelsea are looking to sell Chukwuemeka in the summer and a temporary switch away would put him in the shop window. Celtic wouldn’t be able to afford the 21-year-old’s full wages, though, so the Blues would have to contribute.

Capable of playing in central midfield, attacking midfield or off the left flank, Chukwuemeka is a tricky and creative player. The former England Under-21 international was one of Villa’s most promising prospects but he’s yet to have a proper chance to fulfil his potential.