Chelsea have reportedly rejected a fresh approach from Bayern Munich for their academy graduate Callum Hudson-Odoi.
According to a report by Daily Mirror, Chelsea have rebuffed Bayern Munich’s attempts to approach them over a possible move for Callum Hudson-Odoi in the summer transfer window. The Bundesliga champions are now identifying possible alternatives, with Leroy Sane being one target.
Callum Hudson-Odoi is a rare Chelsea academy graduate who has managed to become a regular part of the first-team setup, that too in his first season as a senior player. The promise he showed also convinced Gareth Southgate to hand the Englishman his maiden cap in international football.
The fact that he managed 24 appearances across all competitions, with a return of 5 goals and as many assists, is quite commendable in itself. But, the 18-year-old saw his season being brought to a premature end by an Achilles injury. Hudson-Odoi’s Chelsea future though, has been mired in uncertainty.
The teenage prodigy was heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich back in January before the Blues managed to keep hold of him. Heading into the summer transfer window, Die Roten seem to have reignited their interest in Hudson-Odoi, having made a fresh approach to Chelsea for the player, as per the report.
The Bundesliga champions are set to revamp their squad this summer, with attack being an area that requires some attention following the departures of Arjen Robben and Frank Ribery. While Bayern do boast the likes of Serge Gnabry, Kingsley Coman and Alphonso Davies to man the wide areas, they can certainly do with an addition to complete the unit.
To that end, Hudeson-Odoi is a viable target for the Bavarians, who can have a long-term solution in the 18-year-old. But, Chelsea have rejected Bayern Munich’s approach for their young prospect, and it makes a great deal of sense.
With Eden Hazard departing the club this summer, Chelsea cannot afford to lose more wingers, despite the arrival of Christian Pulisic. Having reportedly also offered Hudson-Odoi a new long-term contract, it is clear that the West Londoners have him in their plans.
According to the report, Bayern also seem to have identified an alternative to the teenager, with a move for Leroy Sane also being mooted. As for Hudson-Odoi, it looks like Chelsea are determined to hold on to him, and for good reason.
With the Blues also restricted by a transfer ban, retaining as many players as possible will be a step in the right direction ahead of the appointment of a new manager, who is likely to be Frank Lampard. It now remains to be seen who Bayern end up getting to bolster their wide areas, with Hudson-Odoi likely to stay put at Stamford Bridge..
