Amid an ongoing contract stand-off, Aston Villa are now said to be willing to sell youngster Carney Chukwuemeka this summer, and it would be the right decision from the club.
The 18-year-old’s current deal expires next summer, and as of yet, no agreement has been reached between the two sides to extend his stay further.
READ MORE: Gerrard impressed by Kamara, verdict on Villa loanee Augustinsson
Given the talent that he possesses and the potential he has to be a great player, it would be hugely disappointing to see Chukwuemeka leave so early in his career, but ultimately Villa’s stance has been spot on to this point.
As per boss Steven Gerrard via VillaTV, Chukwuemeka was left out of the squad that has travelled to Australia for our pre-season tour due to the fact that his contract situation continues to rumble on.
Following on from that, the Daily Mail report that Villa are now willing to sell the teenager this summer, having lost patience with his reluctance to sign a new deal.
Gerrard was right to leave him out of his squad for Australia, as not only has he shown a great deal of faith and belief in Chukwuemeka since he took charge, but the club in general have too, and so it’s disappointing that the youngster hasn’t accepted a contract offer to date given the path is clear for him.
That would indicate that he is weighing up his options and a potential move elsewhere, and so if that is indeed the case, then Villa should look to move him on as soon as possible and allow Gerrard to plan without him and perhaps bring in another reinforcement in that department to fill the void.
Based on last season, Chukwuemeka would certainly have a role to play for Villa in the upcoming campaign, and as part of his development and improvement, we would continue to play a pivotal role in that process. The coaching staff have guided him excellently to this point, but he deserves credit too for continuing to impress when involved both for us and England U19s this summer.
Nevertheless, Gerrard needs clarity and certainty over who he has at his disposal as part of his bigger plan and strategy, and having waited long enough for Chukwuemeka to commit and buy-in to what we’re doing and what we can offer him, it’s time to move him on this summer and look to continue to get better as although it would be a loss, it’s certainly not one that we can’t come away from being in a stronger position with a top replacement.
Perhaps it could even open up a spot for the likes of Aaron Ramsey instead, who is undoubtedly itching for an opportunity to shine at senior level for Villa alongside older brother Jacob…
