- 2 hours ago
Chelsea enter ‘closing stages’ of transfer deal for top prospect – Fabrizio Romano
Robin Bairner
- 24 Mar 2023 20:40 GMT
- 5 min read
Chelsea are close to signing Norwich youngster Alex Matos, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Blues are eager to build a strong base of youth in their squad, which has been reflected in the players they have signed for the first team and the lengthy contracts that they have given these players.
Equally, though, Graham Potter’s side are eager to bolster their squad at U23 level and beyond, and this is where the addition of Matos, who is 18 years old, comes into their thinking.
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Romano reports that a deal to sign the versatile attacking midfielder is tantalisingly close.
“Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign U18 talent Alex Matos (2004) from Norwich,” he tweeted.
“The deal is entering its closing stages, it will be done on a free transfer with add-ons.
“The English winger will become part of Jim Fraser’s project, with Chelsea pushing for signing to build a top U21 squad.”
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What position does Alex Matos play?
Matos has primarily been featuring as a right winger for Norwich this season and has competed in both the Premier League 2, in which he has three assists in 13 matches, and the U18 Premier League, with one goal and one decisive pass coming from eight appearances.
He has primarily been used by Norwich in the Premier League 2 in recent months, albeit primarily as a substitute.
The teenager faces a major challenge to break into the Chelsea first team should he move to Stamford Bridge, with the Blues well stocked in the wide areas. Since Todd Boehly’s takeover, Chelsea have signed wingers Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke, while Christopher Nkunku, who may be used as a centre forward, is on his way from RB Leipzig in the summer.
For the moment, though, Matos will hope to finalise his contract with Chelsea and them impress in the youth ranks.
