Sarri brands Bayern 'NOT professional' after Hudson-Odoi talks
That is according to Arsenal legend Martin Keown.
Hudson-Odoi has been the subject of four bids from German champions Bayern Munich this January, starting at £20million and rising to £35m.
The Blues have rejected each offer for their highly-rated teenage winger, reportedly asking for £40m.
The west London club have received large criticism for entertaining the idea of offloading Hudson-Odoi, who represents one of the crown jewels of their successful academy, from which players rarely follow through a path into the first team.
What makes talk of his departure even more surprising is that Eden Hazard is expected to leave
Martin Keown
And three-time Premier League winner Keown cannot believe the 18-year-old may be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge, which it has been claimed the player wishes to do.
“I wrote on Monday that they should be viewing him as part of their long-term future.”
In Pedro and Willian, Chelsea own ageing wingers but Maurizio Sarri is still yet to blood Hudson-Odoi, who has never started a Premier League game.
Chelsea transfer news: Callum Hudson-Odoi should not be allowed to leave, says Martin Keown (Image: Getty)
Chelsea transfer news: Callum Hudson-Odoi started against Tottenham in the League Cup on Tuesday (Image: Getty)
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Moreover, the potential loss of Hudson-Odoi could be exacerbated by the likely departure of talisman Eden Hazard, whose future is up in the air.
“What makes talk of his departure even more surprising is that Eden Hazard is expected to leave at the end of the season,” Keown continued.
“If you are going to lose your best player then why would you jettison a ready-made replacement?”
The intense media focus on Hudson-Odoi’s situation comes after prodigious Manchester City graduate Jadon Sancho pushed for a move away to Borussia Dortmund.
Chelsea transfer news: Eden Hazard's future is unknown in west London (Image: Getty)
Chelsea transfer news: Sancho (bottom right) and Hudson-Odoi (left two) in England's youth ranks (Image: Getty)
The 18-year-old winger has lit up the Bundesliga this season, scoring six goals and registering seven assists, and keeping fellow young prospect Christian Pulisic, who signed for Chelsea this month, out of the starting XI.