Swap deals have been the theme of this summer’s transfer window and Leeds United should get involved if a move to Chelsea becomes a realistic possibility for Archie Gray.

Everton, Aston Villa, Leicester City and Brighton are just some of the clubs who have already been involved in some kind of player exchange.

Of course, these are all Premier League sides involved in these sort of transactions but there is no reason Leeds cannot get involved if a player of Gray‘s calibre is part of the deal.

Though it was registered as separate transactions, Everton and Aston Villa reached an agreement that saw Tim Iroegbunam and Lewis Dobbin go in opposite directions.

In a move that is set to see Douglas Luiz join Juventus, Villa are also close to bringing in both Samuel Iling Jr and Enzo Barrenechea plus a substantial fee..

As per Fabrizio Romano, Brighton and Leicester have also reached an agreement that would see the latter receive £25 million and Jakub Moder in exchange for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

Leeds should ask for Carney Chukwuemeka if Chelsea’s Gray interest is serious

Gray has been linked with numerous top clubs already this summer with Chelsea reportedly the latest club to express their interest.

Leeds are in a good position when it comes to keeping Gray, as he is on a long contract, has a real family legacy at Elland Road, and is in no rush to depart.

It has been claimed Leeds would ask for in excess of £30 million to even start entertaining talks to sell Gray, but that figure could easily have another £20 million on it.

For that price to become a realistic possibility, Leeds should be asking for a player in return from Chelsea who can come in immediately and be a direct replacement – Carney Chukwuemeka.

Chukwuemeka joined Chelsea from Villa back in 2022 for a fee of around £20 million, but due to injuries and a lack of first team opportunities, hasn’t really developed into the player he can be yet.

In his position, he currently finds himself behind Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher, and Gray could easily add himself to that list.

They also have a plethora of young midfielders they have also spent big on who are at a similar level to Chukwuemeka, including Andrey Santos, Lesley Ugochukwu and Cesare Casadei.

With that in mind, game time is going to be hard to come by for him again next season, and Leeds should be all over trying to get him as part of the deal.

Who is Chukwuemeka and why would he be a good swap deal?

Chukwuemeka is still only 20 himself, and can play both as a number 10 or eight. £30 million plus Chukwuemeka would represent much fairer business for Leeds, if they even decide to entertain talks.

Unfortunately, he spent much of last season on the sidelines due to injury and that has seen him fall further down Chelsea’s midfield pecking order.

He was handed starts in both of Chelsea’s first two matches last season and even scored in a 3-1 defeat at West Ham, which was the game he picked up an injury.

Chukwuemeka is a product of the Aston Villa academy and regular football as the main man at Leeds could be what he needs to kick start his career.

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