Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has provided a big update regarding the future of Aston Villa youngster Carney Chukwuemeka.
The lowdown: Rising star
The 18-year-old graduated from the Bodymoor Heath academy to make the step up to senior football and has already made great strides in Steven Gerrard's first team.
Despite his tender years, Chukwuemeka has made 13 appearances for the Villans, having scored 13 times and provided another 13 assists in 55 matches among various youth levels for the Midlands club.
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However, out of contract in 2023 (Transfermarkt), attention has already turned to where the talented England under-19 international's future may lie...
The latest: Romano provides Chukwuemeka update
Taking to Twitter, reputable Italian journalist Romano stated that the Austria-born starlet 'could leave' Villa Park in the near future.
He outlined: “Carney Chukwuemeka could leave Aston Villa in the summer. His recent lack of game time has put a host of European clubs on alert - with Germany a likely destination as he enters the final year of his contract. Bundesliga clubs are already exploring this possibility.”
Villa boss Gerrard recently stated that there have been no discussions regarding a new deal for Chukwuemeka after fellow academy prospect Jacob Ramsey signed a contract until 2027.
The verdict: Worrying times
Losing the club's most prodigious talents is never a good look and as such, the Villa Park hierarchy will no doubt be desperate for the five-cap England under-19 starlet to commit himself to the cause beyond 2023.
So far this season, Chukwuemeka - who has been a target for Liverpool in the past - has provided one assist in nine Premier League outings whilst also continuing his development in the under-23 setup.
Described as 'outstanding' by former Holte End favourite Paul Merson, Villa chief executive Christian Purslow must do everything in his power to keep the teenage sensation in the Midlands and stave off potential suitors this summer.
In other news, BBC man urges Aston Villa to sign ‘magical’ star. Read more here.