West Ham are mystery club trying to sign Chelsea star after Enzo Maresca call. West Ham have reacted to a big call from Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca to launch a fresh move for one of their outcasts.
West Ham held talks with Premier League rivals Chelsea over a host of deals in the summer and now they’re at it again. Especially after the Hammers appointed former Chelsea boss Graham Potter as their replacement for Julen Lopetegui.
Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly offered Raheem Sterling to the Hammers back in the summer. West Ham weren’t interested and he ended up joining Arsenal – where he has struggled badly.
The Irons were also linked with defender Trevoh Chalobah, forward David Datro Fofana and made a last ditch move for Carney Chukwuemeka on deadline day. In the end, West Ham did not get any of those deals done.
But their interest in Blues outcast Chukwuemeka had persisted to the winter window only for Borussia Dortmund and other foreign clubs to emerge as more likely destinations. With Chukwuemeka out of reach, speculation has been rife that West Ham want to do a deal for Blues midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
The ex Leicester player has failed to establish himself at Stamford Bridge following a £30m summer move.
Dewsbury-Hall started for injury-ravaged Chelsea in their win over Wolves, though.
And after the game manager Enzo Maresca – a former Hammers assistant coach – stated he does not want Dewsbury-Hall to leave in the January transfer window.
West Ham’s midfield has been at the heart of all its problems this season. Slow and immobile, it fails to provide protection for the defence or guile for the forward line.
Potter has immediately identified midfield as a key area to improve. Now there has been a fresh development.
West Ham are the mystery club trying to sign Chelsea star after a big Maresca call. Hammers move for Chukwuemeka after Maresca makes big call to keep Dewsbury-Hall
Although he is still being linked with a move abroad, Chukwuemeka has not yet sealed a Stamford Bridge exit.
It emerged on Tuesday that a mystery Premier League club had made a fresh enquiry for Chukwuemeka. And now football correspondent Ben Jacobs has revealed that club is indeed West Ham.
In an update on the situation, reporter Jacobs states that the Hammers look set for a ‘busy end to the window’. “West Ham in for a busy close to the window as they search for attackers,” Jacobs said.
“(A) £57m bid rejected for Jhon Duran, who Aston Villa don’t want to sell and value at £85m. “Hammers also considering approaches for both Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Carney Chukwuemeka.
“Chelsea exploring multiple options for Chukwuemeka. With Caleb Wiley set to be recalled, a loan to Strasbourg is still not discounted.”
West Ham in for a busy close to the window as they search for attackers. £57m bid rejected for Jhon Duran, who Aston Villa don’t want to sell and value at £85m. Hammers also considering approaches for both Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Carney Chukwuemeka.⚒️#CFC exploring multiple… pic.twitter.com/7rjB0PElbm
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 21, 2025
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Chelsea are being linked with a host of players including Man United’s Alejandro Garnacho.
It’s not clear whether West Ham’s move would be a loan, straight deal or loan with option/obligation to buy.
Powerful star the perfect fit for Potter
Chukwuemeka is known for his technical ability, composure on the ball and versatility – something that reportedly attracts Potter and West Ham.
Somewhat ironically after offering £57m to Villa, it should be remembered Chukwuemeka is a product of the Midlands club’s academy.
Chukwuemeka moved to Chelsea in 2022 but has failed to establish himself like many of the west London club’s raft of signings. Comfortable operating in advanced positions, and a dynamic powerhouse of a player, Chukwuemeka is the right kind of profile for a Potter side.
Injuries have been a persistent issue at Chelsea but he is said to be fully fit at the moment should West Ham try and push through a move.
The Hammers are also searching for a striker. After the latest bid for Duran was rejected, West Ham have Quickly submitted a £25m offer for a Euro star.
