West Ham United have registered an interest in signing Chelsea forward Carney Chukwuemeka, according to The Guardian.
West Ham are set for a hectic transfer deadline day, with multiple midfield moves in the works.
The Hammers are poised to swap Carlos Soler with James Ward-Prowse, sending the Englishman to Nottingham Forest on loan while welcoming the Spaniard from Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite this, West Ham are also exploring a potential loan move for Chukwuemeka. The young midfielder is reportedly seeking more playing time, and a move to West Ham could be mutually beneficial.
West Ham’s sporting director, Tim Steidten, is said to be a huge fan of Chukwuemeka, adding weight to the possibility of this deal coming to fruition.
The winger wants more playing chances and could struggle to get them under new manager Enzo Maresca, and a move to join the Hammers on loan could appeal to him.
The Blues star had previously been linked with Crystal Palace after they missed out on Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe, who joined Fulham.
West Ham could now capitalise on the opportunity to lure him to the London Stadium.
West Ham can offer Chukwuemeka safe haven, but a deal looks unlikely
West Ham would be an ideal club to offer the England youth international an exit route after falling out of favour at Stamford Bridge.
However, an update from The Guardian reporter Jacob Steinberg says a move to East London seems unlikely at this stage, with West Ham struggling to agree a deal.
Chukwuemeka has only made 27 appearances across all competitions since joining the Blues in the summer of 2022.
He has scored twice for the club, including an away strike at West Ham before he suffered a knee injury that derailed his development.
With the likes of Joao Felix and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall joining Chelsea, Chukwuemela will struggle for playing time.
He could blossom under Julen Lopetegui’s guidance, but it remains to be seen if a deal can be agreed before the deadline.