Chelsea launch bid to poach ‘next Bukayo Saka’ from Arsenal – despite transfer ban

Chelsea are eager on a shift for Arsenal wonderkid Khayon Edwards, even with the transfer restrictions hanging over the west London club.

The Blues are functioning less than a restricted licence, put in place after owner Roman Abramovich was extra to the British isles government’s listing of sanctioned people. Underneath the conditions, only transfer payments agreed before March 10 can be ratified, but the Blues’ new proprietors are expected to spend in the squad as before long as doable.

Quite a few candidates continue being in the hunt as the sale attracts nearer, with each and every of the interested functions submitting their last bids this month. Once the sale is finished, and if transfer company is back on the desk correct absent, youngster Edwards could go across town just after performances which have found him in comparison to Gunners star Bukayo Saka.

In accordance to Purpose, Chelsea have produced call with Edwards’ associates with a perspective to a probable summer transfer. While soccer.london experiences that Arsenal keep on being assured of tying the hotshot down to a specialist offer, he has however to commit his upcoming to the club.

Blues aren’t the only interested party, though. RB Leipzig, Hertha Berlin and Feyenoord are also reportedly getting a appear, with the latter of the 3 clubs at this time counting on-bank loan Arsenal academy graduate Reiss Nelson among their amount.

The Sunshine notes that he has been explained as the “next Saka”, and if he can have anything at all shut to the effects of Arsenal’s latest number 7 then they’ll be determined to fend off Chelsea’s fascination. Centered on his aim record this time period, there is each possibility he could do just that.

In 16 games for Arsenal’s underneath-18 facet this time, Edwards has scored 16 targets. The tally features a hat-trick towards Norwich, and just one in a 4- gain around Chelsea’s little ones in January.

His exploits at less than-18 degree have led to action in Leading League 2, wherever he netted in opposition to West Ham United, and he has also highlighted for the Gunners’ less than-21 side in the Papa John’s Trophy. Arsenal created it all the way to the quarter-finals in that competition, beating a Chelsea side along the way.

Though the 18-yr-aged has however to function in a initial team squad for the Gunners below Mikel Arteta, the manager’s use of academy graduates has at least demonstrated there is a route to Leading League football for all those impressing at age group amount. And that doesn’t just refer to the likes of now-proven midfielders Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.

Eddie Nketiah arrived off the bench against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, although fellow striker Folarin Balogun has also showcased in the league this time period. Teenager Charlie Patino has also picked up cup minutes, even though the bench towards Brighton bundled youngsters Miguel Azeez, Omari Hutchinson, Mazeed Ogungbo and Zak Swanson.