If West Ham appoint Graham Potter, £45m Chelsea transfer suddenly becomes way more likely

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Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter has been out of work since his dismissal at Stamford Bridge in 2023, but he’s now linked with a return to the manager’s dugout.

Graham Potter, 49, had a difficult spell in West London during a turbulent start under the Chelsea owners.

Thankfully, it does feel like everything has settled at Chelsea, with Enzo Maresca now steering the wheel as head coach. Potter criticised the transfer approach from Chelsea’s owners when he was still the club, but there’s been more successes than failures recently.

Sky Sports claims that West Ham have held talks with Potter about the managerial position in the event Julen Lopetegui leaves the London Stadium. Apparently, West Ham’s priority is the former Blues boss, so Lopetegui could soon be sacked and replaced.

• READ MORE: Graham Potter really impressed with what Enzo Maresca has done with ‘amazing’ Chelsea player

Carney Chukwuemeka to West Ham becomes more likely with Graham Potter appointment

Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka, 21, is attracting transfer interest this month from West Ham.

If Potter becomes the new Hammers manager, we think that a Chukwuemeka transfer to East London suddenly becomes more plausible.

West Ham are eyeing Chelsea youngster Chukwuemeka in the January transfer window, along with teammate Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Apparently, Chelsea want up to £45m for Chukwuemeka amid further interest from AC Milan as well.

Chukwuemeka has been told he can leave Chelsea, so it’ll be interesting to see if there’s any movement during the mid-season window.

What Graham Potter previously said about Carney Chukwuemeka

Potter previously coached Chukwuemeka when they were at Chelsea, so could a reunion now be on the cards?

Potter hailed Chelsea talent Chukwuemeka after working alongside him at Stamford Bridge. Speaking back in October 2022, Potter commented on Chukwuemeka: “I thought he’s shown his quality. He’s a young player, but he’s got huge potential and some really interesting attributes.”

Chukwuemeka has played 32 first-team games in Chelsea colours. Interestingly, 12 of those appearances came under Potter’s reign.

The English coach is renowned for helping and developing young talents, so we’d expect to see an injection of youth at West Ham if he succeeds Lopetegui in the coming days.