Transfer News: 18-year-old Chelsea target in line to receive first pro contract at Arsenal

Transfer News: Chelsea target Arsenal starlet Khayon Edwards amidst Leeds United interest

According to The Sun, Chelsea have identified Arsenal starlet Khayon Edwards as a transfer target amidst interest from Leeds United for a potential move. He is another highly-rated talent who seems ready to make the jump to the first team following his excellent performances at the youth level.

Edwards follows Folarin Balogun and Eddie Nketiah as another centre-forward option, having impressed the Gunners as a young prospect. The former has earned plaudits for his displays, and he has attracted attention from other Premier League clubs as a result.

The Blues and Leeds are keeping tabs on Edwards at this moment, but it seems that the PL duo may be too late in their pursuit. That is because Mikel Arteta’s side has ramped up the efforts to tie down the youngster on a new contract. He is currently contracted on a scholarship deal which his club are looking to improve to a professional offer.

Chelsea, Arsenal or Leed for Edwards?

It appears that the 18-year-old is seemingly likely to renew his current contract with the North London club. As such, the chances of prising him away from the Emirates are diminishing in this situation. Then again, things could always change in our favour, so we should remain hopeful until the deal is officially signed.

Cobham can always use some quality additions in their ranks, considering how we have developed a talent factory over the past several years. Nevertheless, the current sanctions imposed on the club prevent us from engaging in any transfer dealings.

The North Londoners have also seen Mikel Arteta offer chances to youth players if he deems they are good enough for the senior side. And unfortunately for us, Edwards would know that he can get a shot at first-team football for the Gunners if he continues to develop at this rate.

The Blues currently have Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner as their lead strikers, but the duo hasn’t really done a lot to make a case for themselves as our leading number 9s. As such, Kai Havertz has featured in that role several times.

If Chelsea really wanted a talented, relatively young striker who could make a mark in the PL, perhaps we were better off keeping Tammy Abraham at the Bridge rather than offloading him to Jose Mourinho’s Roma.

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As such, it would be best if Thomas Tuchel’s side would divert their focus elsewhere. Unless there is a breakdown of talks moving forward, there is no reason for us to waste our efforts trying to pursue a losing battle if this news is believed to be true.