Former Aston Villa and current Norwich City manager Dean Smith has previously delivered a promising verdict on Chelsea's new recruit Carney Chukwuemeka which will excite Blues supporters.
The Blues have agreed a fee totalling around £20million for the 18-year-old who refused to sign a new contract extension at Villa Park. Something that annoyed manager Steven Gerrard as demonstrated by the omission of the midfielder from the pre-season squad. It is understood that Thomas Tuchel played a big part in this latest capture for the future as the German reportedly met up with Villa's now former number 33 to convince him of the long-term project headed by new owner Todd Boehly.
It's a project that is starting to take some shape and in the process, has led to a large pull on multiple young stars of the future who are willing to give the Cobham system a chance. Omari Hutchinson's capture before Chukwuemeka was the latest move to demonstrate the long-term planning of the club under Boehly. It is understood that Zak Sturge of Brighton and Tyler Dibling of Southampton will be signed for the academy set-up to develop into future first-team stars.
READ MORE: Chelsea confirm third summer transfer as Aston Villa man travels to London to undergo medical
Hutchinson is reportedly on his way to join up with Paul Ince and Reading FC for the upcoming 2022/23 season and whether or not a similar decision for Chukwuemeka is taken remains to be seen. But the exciting Villa star is London bound for his medical before the move is 100 per cent completed.
What sort of player will Chelsea be getting in the long-term with the attacking midfielder? As per Smith, who gave Chukwuemeka his first chances in the Villa set-up, Chelsea have just landed a player who has a 'calm' and 'collected' mindset.
After his Premier League debut at a packed-out Villa Park back in September 2021, Smith said via The Express and Star: “It was a first start in the Premier League for Carney who we have really high hopes for and he certainly didn’t let anyone down.
"He is a really calm and collected lad who could handle the occasion of playing in front of a full house at Villa Park.
“He tired as the game went on but he just needs to keep developing as he is, and learning from the likes of Ashley Young, who showed his versatility yet again by playing in midfield.”
Since that debut one year ago, the Austrian-born youngster has gone on to make an extra 15 appearances for the Villans in all competitions.
Chelsea fans - what should Thomas Tuchel do with new recruit Carney Chukwuemeka? Send him out on loan or find a place for him in the first team squad for 2022/23? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
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