Chelsea are now open to letting midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka depart on loan this month, with Borussia Dortmund reportedly pursuing the 21-year-old’s signature.

Chukwuemeka has struggled for minutes all season under Blues boss Enzo Maresca, who admitted during the summer that he did not foresee a big role for the midfielder this year. He has not featured in a single Premier League matchday squad and has instead been forced to settle for 130 minutes across five appearances in cup competitions.

It was reported earlier this month that Chelsea were only prepared to entertain permanent offers for Chukwuemeka, whose contract includes a release clause worth around £40m, but Fabrizio Romano notes a loan move is now on the table.

Chelsea have warned suitors that any offer must be a straight loan deal, without a purchase clause, and Chukwuemeka’s salary must be covered in full.

Dortmund are in talks over luring Chukwuemeka to Germany, but Chelsea could still opt to send the 21-year-old to sister side Strasbourg, although they would have to terminate one of their three current loan deals with the French side – Andrey Santos, Djordje Petrovic and Caleb Wiley.

There have been plenty of negotiations between Chelsea and Dortmund already this month, with the Bundesliga giants chasing a deal for Renato Veiga. The Portugal international is reportedly keen to depart Stamford Bridge and join a side capable of offering him more minutes at centre-back.

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