Chelsea have allegedly completed the signing of Norwich City youngster Alex Matos.
When a consortium led by Todd Boehly took over the West Londoners almost a year ago, it quickly became apparent that there would be a strong emphasis on signing top prospects.
While some of those have been earmarked for more immediate first-team involvement than others, the change in approach is designed to helped Chelsea build for the future.
However, the Blues face a summer of rebuilding, the club sitting in 12th position in the Premier League standings and will not play European football during 2023-24.
The appointment of Mauricio Pochettino will, in theory, lead to an onus being placed on the development of young talent, largely with the players already at Stamford Bridge.
© Reuters
Nevertheless, Chelsea continue to make notable additions to their youth ranks with Matos the latest player in line to link up with the club's Under-21 ranks.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have finalised the transfer of the Canaries teenager over the past 24 hours.
The winger will allegedly make the switch on a free transfer, with a number of add-ons in line to be activated should he break into the first team.
The 18-year-old has not made a senior appearance for Norwich, but the former England Under-18 international has featured regularly in the youth ranks.
Understand Chelsea have completed Alex Matos signing — documents and contracts sealed in the last 24h. 🚨🔵 #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 3, 2023
U-18 talent born in 2004, Matos joins from Norwich on free transfer with add-ons; part of Jim Fraser project, pushing for signing to build top U21 squad. pic.twitter.com/1t1c6twvYo
Nine goals and seven assists have been contributed from 39 outings in the U18 Premier League, with a further 18 matches coming in Premier League 2.
Matos will follow the additions of Jimmy-Jay Morgan and Christopher Atherton, who have been brought in from Southampton and Glenavon since the turn of the year.
Chelsea hold a desire to re-establish themselves as the best academy setup, the young Blues currently 13 points adrift of leaders Manchester City in Premier League 2.
At Under-18 level, they finished fourth in the South section, 20 points behind first-placed West Ham United.
Darren Plant
