By Nnamdi Onyeagwara

13th Jul, 2022 | 9:17am

Barcelona have 'serious interest' in Aston Villa talent Carney Chukwuemeka - Fabrizio Romano

Aston Villa wonderkid Carney Chukwuemeka is attracting interest from Barcelona, according to Guardian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The 18-year-old has shown huge potential since breaking into Aston Villa’s first-team last August, and shone for England in their under-19 European Championships victory, leading their team with magnificent performances from midfield.

However, his performances have not gone unnoticed, with clubs rapidly starting to circle around the dynamic midfielder who only has one year left on his contract.

Romano reported on 11 July that Chukwuemeka is also drawing “serious interest” from Barcelona as they see him as a player with “huge potential”.

Only a matter of time.

The fact that some of the world’s biggest clubs are now circling around Chukwuemeka is not a surprise as he has been a player threatening to break into the elite for a long time now.

The 18-year-old made 16 appearances for Aston Villa in his debut season, and went on to become pivotal in England’s tournament win in Slovakia, with three goals and three assists for the Young Lions.

At six foot one, he already has the build required for a combative and energetic midfielder at the top of the game, but also has the natural flair and finesse needed to control a game with ease.

The midfielder, who is of Nigerian descent, can pass opposition players with ease whether that his with a burst of pace or an audacious skill.

Chukwuemeka is strong in the air, agile and an offensive threat which is shown by his tally of 13 goals and 13 assists in 54 games for Aston Villa’s youth team.

Whichever team wins the battle for the England under-19 international, is getting a player with all the talent and natural gifts to become a world-beater.

In other news, Manchester United begun their pre-season with a victory against Liverpool with Facundo Pellistri getting on the scoresheet.