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Chelsea have ‘reached a deal in principle’ - expert provides positive update
CHELSEA are close to renewing the contract of academy graduate and England international Callum Hudson-Odoi to fight off transfer interest from Bayern Munich.
Chelsea have 'reached a deal' with Hudson-Odoi says pundit
That is according to European football expert and ESPN FC pundit Gabriele Marcotti.
Hudson-Odoi’s current Chelsea deal expires at the end of next season.
The talented winger was keen on a move to Bayern Munich in January after a lack of game time under Maurizio Sarri.
Chelsea turned down several transfer bids for Hudson-Odoi and offered him an improved deal to entice him to stay at the club.
Hudson-Odoi I would expect is more likely to sign, there was talk they’d reached a deal in principle
The 18-year-old became more of a regular towards the end of the campaign before a serious Achilles injury ended his season abruptly.
He is not expected to be fit for the start of next season but Chelsea are still keen to tie him down to a new deal.
Marcotti says following the departure of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid, Hudson-Odoi is more likely to sign.
“Hudson-Odoi I would expect is more likely to sign, there was talk they’d reached a deal in principle,” he said.
“Obviously he’s injured for yonks but you’ll have Willian, you’ll have Pedro, you’ll have [Christian] Pulisic coming in.
“You’ve got Mason Mount, you’ve got Reece James, you’ve got a whole bunch of really young players.”
Chelsea have appealed their two-window transfer ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
And Marcotti says the club expect to have the embargo frozen, allowing them to sign players this summer at least.
“I wouldn’t necessarily be so negative about [Chelsea’s situation],” Marcotti told ESPN FC.
“First of all it depends on the transfer ban and we don’t know yet.
“Chelsea have just filed their appeal with CAS, most likely I think they expect it to be frozen so they will be allowed to operate.”