Contrary to expectations earlier this year, Chelsea are increasingly confident that Callum Hudson-Odoi will stay with the club and sign a new deal worth £100,000 a week.
The 18-year old was heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich in January, who had four bids for him rejected. He was hoping to join the German champions this summer, but his ruptured Achilles has put paid to any hopes of a summer move. Whilst Bayern still have a keen interest in the winger, they are prepared to look elsewhere as they look to replace veterans Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.
That has given Chelsea the chance, and with the player about to enter the final year of his contract, they now believe they can convince him to commit his long-term future to the club. As a further enticement to get him to stay, Chelsea are also ready to offer him the number 10 shirt when it is vacated by Eden Hazard.
Andy is an exiled English football fan living in Cyprus. He loves all sports but football is his abiding passion, and he still has dreams every now and then about scoring the winning goal in a Wembley Cup Final, even though his playing days are long gone. He follows most major leagues, across Europe at least, and has a favoured team in each. When he’s not watching, listening, reading or downloading podcasts about football, he spend his time worrying about his beloved Arsenal.