“It’s better to leave”

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has advised Carney Chukwuemeka to look for a new club.

The 20-year-old winger joined the Blues in 2022 for a fee of £20million from Mauricio Pochettino-era Aston Villa. However, he has struggled to get playing time and has yet to live up to expectations under new coach Maresca.

Chukwuemeka has only made one appearance this season, in a Carabao Cup match against Barrow. Maresca admitted that, rather than staying and fighting for his place in the Premier League, it would be better for the young player to leave Stamford Bridge in order to play more.

The Italian coach said: “I repeat what I have often said: Carney is a very good player. However, given the number of players in the team, we agreed at the start of the season that it would probably be better for him to leave, prove his abilities and play 30 or 35 games, rather than staying here with less playing time. Unfortunately, this did not materialize. He's our player, and although he had a few minutes the other day, he wasn't involved today. I hope he gets more playing time.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea have shown good form in their last two matches, securing a 4-2 victory against Brighton on September 28, 2024. Cole Palmer, the team's star, scored four goals in the first half, establishing a new record in the Premier League.

The London team's next match will take place in the Europa League against Gent at Stamford Bridge on Thursday October 3, 2024.