Barcelona have allegedly identified Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka as a potential summer transfer target.
There is currently uncertainty both on and off the pitch at Camp Nou ahead of concluding a season where it appears Barcelona will not collect any silverware.
As well as sitting 11 points adrift of Real Madrid in the La Liga standings with six matches remaining, the Catalan giants are in the market for a new manager to succeed the outgoing Xavi.
The financial position of Barcelona also remains well-documented with cutbacks needing to be made in order to fulfil La Liga regulations.
With Barcelona having also been eliminated from the Champions League at the quarter-final stage, the club's hierarchy are tasked with finding solutions to fulfil all criteria.
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Chukwuemeka on Barcelona's radar?
Barring a currently unforeseen amount of sales, Barcelona spending big money to sign players appears to be out of the question, but that is not stopping them from being linked with notable names.
According to talkSPORT, Chukwuemeka is a player who still remains very much on Barcelona's shortlist.
The 20-year-old has endured a hugely frustrating time at Stamford Bridge, being limited to four starts and 23 substitute outings since arriving from Aston Villa in the summer of 2022.
Much of his lack of game time has been down to injury, particularly this season after beginning the campaign in Mauricio Pochettino's starting lineup.
Chukwuemeka is now back in the first-team squad, but Chelsea are under pressure to ensure his development continues on an upward trajectory.
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Where is Chukwuemeka in Chelsea pecking order?
Ever since Moises Caicedo joined Chelsea, Pochettino has shown a preference of using the Ecuador international alongside Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher.
That has, in turn, led to Chukwuemeka having to bide his time on the substitutes' bench, especially in recent weeks, but the general consensus among supporters is that the England Under-21 international should be receiving more opportunities.
Unless Chelsea receive a bid in excess of the £18m that they shelled out for Chukwuemeka, they are unlikely to consider a sale at this point.
However, a loan switch for a sizeable fee may appeal to each of Chelsea, Chukwuemeka and Barcelona, providing that he receives regular game time.
Chelsea are expected to have Chukwuemeka in their plans long term, yet boosting their position with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules may prove tempting if Barcelona are willing to negotiate such a deal.
Darren Plant
