Aston Villa face a huge battle to retain Carney Chukwuemeka

Emerging talent Carney Chukwuemeka is showing all the signs of a Premier League star in the making – but Aston Villa face a huge battle to retain his services.

The 18-year-old midfielder has demonstrated many of the attributes required to succeed in the top flight in his seven Premier League appearances to date – worrying defenders with his pace and power and showing composure on the ball beyond his years.

Austrian-born Chukwuemeka, who joined the Villa academy from Northampton Town’s academy in March 2016, signed his first professional contract at Villa Park in July 2020 and has captained the England U19s side, as well as helping Villa to FA Youth Cup glory in May this year.

His fleeting appearances in the senior side have caught the eye of football pundits across the country and Manchester giants City and United and Liverpool are among the sides rumoured to be looking to tempt him away from Birmingham. United and City were said to be ‘tracking’ the teenager earlier this year.

Chukwuemeka has plenty of faith in his ability and believes he should be featuring prominently in the senior team, which has led to much speculation about his future, particularly after impressive cameos against title-chasers Manchester City and Chelsea.