Chelsea Slam Door on 'Insulting' Bids for Maresca's Frozen-Out Stars

Chelsea have turned down bids for Carney Chukwuemeka and Renato Veiga despite both players being anticipated to depart the club during the summer transfer window.

The two adaptable players in their early twenties were loaned out for the latter portion of the 2024–25 season. Chukwuemeka faced similar fitness issues at Borussia Dortmund that have hindered his Chelsea progression, though he managed several substitute appearances during the German club's journey to the Club World Cup quarterfinals.

Veiga had his loan arrangement at Juventus terminated prior to the summer competition that his parent team ultimately claimed. The Portuguese player came close to securing a move to Atlético Madrid this summer before that transfer fell through.

Another Spanish club, Villarreal, has also expressed interest in Veiga, according to Fabrizio Romano. The La Liga side reportedly considers the defender a "dream signing" but saw their initial official proposal turned down by Chelsea. Whether Veiga would accept Villarreal's contract terms remains irrelevant until the club substantially increases their bid. The London-based team is believed to value the player at €30 million (£25.9 million, $35.1 million).

Dortmund have not made any attempt to secure Chukwuemeka permanently, according to another Romano report. The team managed by Niko Kovač has proposed taking the English midfielder on loan once more for the 2025–26 season with an arrangement that includes a mandatory purchase clause for the following summer. Chelsea allegedly considered the conditions of this suggested deal "offensive."

The Blues have not positioned themselves favorably regarding two players who are evidently not included in Enzo Maresca's future plans. "He is training with those who are awaiting a resolution," Chelsea's Italian head coach commented about Chukwuemeka this week. "He will likely get an opportunity to move on."

Veiga received significant acclaim from Maresca during the opening half of last season for his versatility across multiple positions. Nevertheless, it was the Italian's hesitation to consistently deploy the bearded left-footed player at center-back that allegedly sparked his wish to leave Stamford Bridge.

"If there is a player who wants to compete in only one role, they will face difficulties," Maresca stated regarding Veiga earlier this year. "They must adapt to playing various positions as it benefits both the individual and the organization."

Nevertheless, Maresca might be willing to utilize Veiga in his favored role following Levi Colwill's extended absence and the recent setback suffered by Tosin Adarabioyo.