24-year-old Chelsea target rejects move to Aston Villa

Weston McKennie has rejected a move to Aston Villa as he eyes bids from Chelsea and others

According to Corriere dello Sport (h/t Daily Mail), Juventus and USA midfielder Weston McKennie has rejected an offer from Aston Villa as he eyes bids from clubs like Chelsea, Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund.

All three clubs mentioned above have registered an interest in McKennie. A couple of weeks ago, Daily Mail reported that the player is favouring a move to Germany, where Dortmund are the leading contenders to sign him.

Juventus have kept a price tag of around €30m for the American international. While Villa are ready to pay that amount, the 24-year-old has no interest in moving to Birmingham.

A report from Calciomercato (h/t Daily Mail) claimed that Chelsea are favouring a move for McKennie, with their co-owner Todd Boehly willing to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

The former FC Schalke midfielder, who was one of USA’s best players in the World Cup, has a contract with Juventus until the summer of 2025 (Transfermarkt).

His performances for the Old Lady have been good too. In 94 appearances in all competitions for the Serie A giants, he has scored 13 goals and assisted four. Moreover, he has played in so many different positions across the central and wide areas of the field.

If we delve into his versatility, McKennie can play as a central midfielder on either side and is comfortable operating as a wing-back if required.

In terms of his attributes, the 24-year-old is good at ball progression, can cover the ground well, is a box-to-box operator from midfield and has a goal threat in him.

Chelsea have lacked dynamism in their midfield along with someone who can impact games in both boxes. They are linked with Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, but he is more of a defensive midfielder. So, he will serve a different purpose to the team.

More Chelsea news:

• Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen feels he has grown into a proficient left-back at Burnley
• Sergei Palkin reveals why Mykhailo Mudryk chose Chelsea over Arsenal
• Loaned out Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi to decide his future in the summer

So, if possible, we must try our best to get McKennie to west London sooner rather than later.