Chelsea's Chukwuemeka leaves on loan, Amougou deal expected

Carney Chukwuemeka has made just one start for Chelsea this season

Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka has joined German club Borussia Dortmund on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 21-year-old signed for Chelsea from Aston Villa in a £20m deal in 2022.

Chukwuemeka's game time under Enzo Maresca has been limited this season, with the midfielder making just five appearances for the Blues.

"It's very exciting for me and I'm truly honoured to be part of this great club," said Chukwuemeka. "I can't wait to play in front of the fans at Signal Iduna Park and help us all be successful together."

Dortmund have a well-trodden path of signing promising young English players, going back to Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham.

This season, England Under-21 winger Jamie Gittens has excelled with the club.

Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl said: "Carney is an extremely talented box-to-box player who caused a sensation in the Premier League at a young age.

"His dynamism, his drive to the goal and his assertiveness, coupled with great footballing class, make him an exciting player.

"This development has recently stalled somewhat in London. Despite the lack of rhythm, we see a great opportunity and hope Carney will find his old strength again."

Dortmund are 11th in the Bundesliga and sacked head coach Nuri Sahin last month.

Niko Kovac, the former Bayern Munich manager, has since signed an 18-month deal with the club to replace Sahin.

Meanwhile, St Etienne midfielder Mathis Amougou is set to join Chelsea for a fee of about £12m.

The 19-year-old is considered an exciting talent for the future but will also boost Maresca's midfield options.

Midfielder Cesare Casadei has already joined Torino on a permanent £12.5m deal.

Amougou has made 18 of his 19 senior appearances this season and is a France Under-20 international.

Chelsea are part of a multi-club structure with Ligue 1 Strasbourg, which could serve as a place for Amougou to develop in future seasons.

Elsewhere, Premier League strugglers Ipswich Town have agreed a deal with Chelsea to sign England U18 defender Somto Boniface.

The full-back has agreed personal terms with Kieran McKenna's side and will join the Tractor Boys on a permanent basis.