Aston Villa

Aston Villa

Premier League • England

Aston Villa face battle to keep the ‘new Bellingham’ as Bundesliga giants eye move

Aston Villa's Carney Chukwuemeka during the Carabao Cup third round match at Stamford Bridge

Aston Villa are bracing themselves for interest in talented youngster Carney Chukwuemeka as reports in Germany claim Borussia Dortmund are ready to swoop.

Dortmund have already swooped on the Midlands in the past to sign Jude Bellingham from Birmingham City. And according to a report in German publication Der Westen, they now have their eyes on Chukwuemeka.

Bellingham has been a huge success since heading to the Bundesliga. The 18-year-old has already chalked up 23 appearances and chipped in with three goals.

Buoyed by the success of the Bellingham deal, Dortmund are now targeting a swoop for Chukwuemeka. According to Der Westen, the Bundesliga club have noticed the similarities between the two players.

They are both young, have similar physical attributes, and are “comfortable as a number eight’. It seems as though Dortmund have their mind made up and an offer will be made at some point down the line.

Aston Villa contract concern

Aston Villa are no doubt keen to keep hold but do have an issue due to the player’s contract situation. The 18-year-old is out of contract in the summer of 2023 and has yet to pen fresh terms.

Indeed there is no sign of him agreeing a new contract any time soon and Dortmund are watching closely. The reports in Germany suggest it could soon be the ideal time to strike.

Chukwuemeka has caught the eye when playing in the Premier League 2 and has taken the next step to the Villa senior side.

Joe Gomez number 1 target for Gerrard at Aston Villa this summer

Joe Gomez number 1 target for Gerrard at Aston Villa this summer

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez is Steven Gerrard’s number 1 target for Aston Villa this summer

Villa boss Steven Gerrard rates him highly but it remains to be seen what the future holds. Chukwuemeka will be wanting regular first-team football at Villa as soon as possible.

Dortmund have proven they are not scared to give youth a chance and Chukwuemeka will no doubt be aware of how well Bellingham is doing. And he may want the same.

That could be why he has so far stalled on penning a new deal with Villa. It is claimed he is hesitating and will only make a final decision at the end of the season.

Premier League interest

Gerrard is doing all he can to keep hold of Chukwuemeka. He has reassured him that if he carries on performing then he will be a part of the first team.

“We believe this is the right place for him and if anyone else thinks it’s not I’d like to sit in front of them and discuss that because he’s a local lad and he’s enjoying it,” the Villa boss said.

Gerrard was responding as interest hots up. Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City have also been linked and are keen to keep him England.

As well as Dortmund, Der Westen claim that Bayern Munich are also keen. Villa face a battle to keep hold and Chukwuemeka has a big decision to make.

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