"A lot of people at Villa..": Journo hints at "huge blow" that'll leave Gerrard fuming - opinion

Aston Villa are facing a huge blow over one of their promising players this summer…

18-year-old starlet Carney Chukwuemeka is no closer to extending his stay at Villa Park, having recently rejected a fresh contract offer from the club, and with him now entering the final 12 months of his current deal, the Midlands outfit have a decision to make.

“It will be a huge loss to them because I think a lot of people at Villa did see Chukwuemeka as being a key part of the Villa side going forward for years to come,” claimed journalist Pete O’Rourke to Football FanCast.

“It will be a huge blow to lose him and there doesn’t look like they’re any nearer agreeing a contract, so Chukwuemeka might even stay and see out his contract and leave on a free unless Villa decide to cash in on him this summer.”

Villa are now set to lose out on millions in potential transfer fees as the young midfielder is likely to see out his contract before moving onto pastures new, with the likes of Bayern Munich, FC Barcelona and Manchester City all interested in his signature.

Steven Gerrard won’t be best pleased either as he will be losing out on a top talent that could elevate his squad for the next generation, nor will he want a player who doesn’t want to be there sticking around.

It’s thought that Chukwuemeka would be sold for around £20m if a suitable offer arrives, whilst some reports suggest that the teenager is demanding a whopping £100k-per-week, which would make him their second-highest paid player behind Danny Ings (£120k-per-week).

Something isn’t right if an academy talent is earning more than the likes of Ollie Watkins, new skipper John McGinn and vice-captain Emi Martinez, so it’s no wonder Villa are holding firm with their offer.

Speaking