The transfer ban has refrained Chelsea from bolstering the squad, but the battle is on to keep hold of the key individuals following the egress of Eden Hazard. The appointment of Frank Lampard is a gamble worth risking as the Blues all-time great is keen on promoting the youth in such adverse circumstances.
However, the iconic Englishman would face a tricky test ahead to fend off Bayern Munich’s interest in Callum Hudson-Odoi. The 18-year-old teenage sensation has been linked with the Bavarians for a while and declined the option to stretch his stay at Stamford Bridge beyond the next summer.
Chelsea, on the other hand, rejected several bids from the Bundesliga big boys, but a new offer of around £45m is being prepared for the young winger according to The Mail. Hudson-Odoi handed in a transfer request earlier this year to force a move to the Allianz Arena, but an Achilles tendon rupture towards the closure of the previous term has ruled him out of action for a few months.
But the bitterness between the club and the player has sweetened of late following Lampard’s intervention. The Chelsea legend heaped praises on the youngster’s influence last season for the senior side which has now encouraged Hudson-Odoi to stay and receive a new contract within the upcoming weeks, according to BBC Sport.
Why Bayern Are Desperate To Rope Him In
A miserable performance in Europe and the departure of Franck Ribéry, as well as Arjen Robben, highlight the necessity of strengthening the attacking third before the summer transfer window ends. Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry have been promising down the wings, but they need to be challenged and covered in the long run to compete for Champions League glory.
The success story of Jadon Sancho at Borussia Dortmund has encouraged Bayern to bank on the other English prodigy who, alongside Sancho, was pivotal in the Three Lions’ FIFA U17 World Cup triumph in India.
Why Chelsea Are In A Better Position Right Now To Retain The Teenager
“I want him to stay. I want to improve him as a player. He can show at Chelsea, the club he came through the academy at, that he is a world-class player. I truly believe that.”
Lampard urged the winger to stay in West London to flourish his game and fulfil his potential. The arrival of Christian Pulisic has boosted the Blues, particularly after Hazard’s ‘dream‘ move to Real Madrid. However, they need more options on the flanks, and the decision to hold on to Hudson-Odoi along with Willian and Pedro could pay the Blues rich dividend.
