According to a report by Gazzetta dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Carney Chukwuemeka has given the first “green light” to join AC Milan in the summer transfer window. The Aston Villa whizkid is also a target for Barcelona, who once seemed to be the front-runner to secure his services this year.

Carney Chukwuemeka is one of the most promising young midfielders in England, with the teenage prodigy making swift progress in the Aston Villa academy over the last half a dozen years. The 18-year-old made his first-team debut for the Midlands club in the 2021/22 season and has turned out 16 times for the Midlands club thus far.

Chukwuemeka has also tasted success at the international level, playing a pivotal role in England’s triumphant under-19 European Championship campaign this summer. But the Aston Villa whizkid could depart from Villa Park in the ongoing transfer window, with Barcelona and AC Milan keen on securing his services.

The interest from Barcelona stems from the evolving situation of Xavi Hernandez’s squad, with Sergio Busquets in the twilight of his glittering career. In addition, with Frenkie de Jong facing an uncertain future at Camp Nou and Manchester City unwilling to sanction Bernardo Silva’s sale, Barcelona will need to have alternatives in mind.

Chukwuemeka is thus a viable target for Barcelona, who recently initiated talks with Aston Villa for the 18-year-old wonderkid. But Barcelona will have to fend off stiff competition from AC Milan to secure the services of the England under-19 international in the summer transfer window.

Like Barcelona, the Serie A champions are also discussing terms with Aston Villa over a possible summer move. And according to the report, Chukwuemeka is ready to join AC Milan in the summer transfer window, handing the Rossoneri a boost and Barcelona a blow in the race to sign him.