Arsenal are one of the clubs involved in the race to sign Carney Chukwuemeka of Aston Villa, with Steven Gerrard leaving him out of their pre-season tour.

Now entering the final year of his contract with Aston Villa, young star Carney Chukwuemeka is the subject of plenty of transfer interest.

Villa are trying to convince the player to extend his deal, but they’ve had no success so far. The contract situation has reached breaking point, with Steven Gerrard confirming that’s why he left the player back in England.

“Carney is yet to sign a contract offer that has been in place for some time now,” Gerrard said. “I’ve decided the best thing for him would be to continue his training programme back at Bodymoor.”

90min report that Arsenal are one of many clubs ready to make a move for the youngster. The Gunners would reportedly be open to a deal if Villa do opt to sell, which seems increasingly likely.

But the list of suitors is long. 90min claim Manchester City and Manchester United have been keeping tabs on him, as have Newcastle United, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, and Juventus.

It’s little wonder, given Chukwuemeka is an 18-year-old first-team squad member who recently starred in England’s u19 Euros trophy win and only has a year on his contract.

If the teenager doesn’t extend his contract and doesn’t leave Villa this summer, he’ll be available for a mere training compensation fee next year.

If he does leave this summer, it will likely be for a significantly-reduced fee, given that risk of his contract running down.

Either way, it’s a chance to nab a top talent at a valuation that’s likely to leap up as soon as he signs for his new club. It’s a very safe bet for whichever club that is.