Chelsea's unexpected announcement of their agreement to sign Carney Chukwueumeka from Aston Villa came to the surprise of most, but the background work of the deal had been worked on for some time by the club.
The 18-year-old will now travel to London to negotiate personal terms as Thomas Tuchel looks to add one of England's best young players to his ageing midfield. Chukwuemeka's contract was due to run out next summer and he has been in deadlock with Villa over signing a new deal, creating speculation over his future.
The player was a standout for England's U19s at the European Championships earlier this year and recorded three goals and two assists in his five games, though it wasn't enough to get himself in Villa's pre-season squad as Steven Gerrard explained earlier this summer.
