Chelsea Pricing Hammers Out of Midfielder Deal

Meanwhile, back in the land of transfers, West Ham are keen to capitalise on two of Chelsea’s transfer missteps by eyeing loan moves for Carney Chukwuemeka and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, as previously reported.

However, it’s not just the prospect of taking a midfielder from our West London rivals that’s grabbing attention. The real stir comes from Chelsea’s questionable decision-making. Enzo Maresca, who pushed hard to sign Dewsbury-Hall after working with him previously, now seems reluctant to use him. This has further fuelled Chelsea fans’ frustrations, particularly as Conor Gallagher was allowed to leave.

The Hammers are in desperate need of midfield reinforcements, with the club informing Claret & Hugh that injecting pace and energy into the centre of the pitch has become a top priority.

Chelsea splashed out £20m on Chukwuemeka in 2022, but injuries have derailed his Stamford Bridge career. Under Maresca, he has fallen out of favour, making just one start this season in the Conference League. Despite his struggles, Chelsea are reportedly holding out for his full £40m release clause in any permanent deal—a steep demand for the January transfer window. The Hammers are in no position to match anything like the Blues valuation and as reported previously, we’ll have to sell before buying.

Meanwhile, Dewsbury-Hall’s situation is equally baffling. Signed for £30m last summer, he appears to lack Maresca’s trust, playing just 55 minutes of league football so far. Even Maresca has admitted that a January exit cannot be ruled out, raising hopes that we can take advantage of the situation.