Report: Barcelona lead race for Arsenal target Carney Chukwuemeka

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Arsenal face another battle with Barcelona in the summer transfer window, with talkSPORT reporting that the Catalan giants now lead the race for Carney Chukwuemeka.

Chukwuemeka could leave Aston Villa this summer. The 18-year-old’s contract with the Villans expires at the end of next season. And he is refusing to sign a new contract with Steven Gerrard’s side.

It seems that the situation could come to a head soon with Chukwuemeka not named in the club’s squad for their pre-season tour of Australia.

Arsenal want the teenager. In fact, reports on Tuesday claimed that Mikel Arteta’s men may be willing to pay up to £30 million for the youngster. And they see Chukwuemeka as a potential starter should he move to the Emirates.

However, they are not the only team in the running. And talkSPORT reports that it is Barcelona leading the race for the Villa prospect.

History repeating itself for Arsenal as Barcelona eye Chukwuemeka

Barca’s movements in the market have baffled many. And it does appear that they are about to announce a deal for one of Arsenal’s targets this summer.

A deal has been agreed for Raphinha. Of course, Arsenal previously made a bid for the Leeds United winger. However, he looks to now be Camp Nou-bound.

Reports this week suggested that Arsenal were one of the sides to make a better offer for Raphinha than Xavi’s side. So it will be a bit of a sickener for those at the Emirates to see the Brazilian move to La Liga.

Perhaps that will come into their thinking should the race for Chukwuemeka heat up this summer.

Arsenal will not want to miss out again if they rate the youngster so highly.