Chelsea star closing in on move to London rivals

Chelsea face West London rivals Fulham in their next pre-season friendly on Sunday. 

The Blues are currently on tour in the USA as part of the Premier League Summer Series, and have so far beaten Wrexham and Brighton and Hove Albion, as well as drawing with Newcastle United.

The Cottagers will provide another strong test for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, having drawn against and beaten Chelsea in the Premier League last season.

Now, though, it appears that one of Chelsea’s stars could be on his way to Craven Cottage.

As per Fabrizio Romano, winger Callum Hudson-Odoi is close to agreeing personal terms with Fulham ahead of a potential move.

The Italian journalist claims that Fulham are increasingly confident that they will be able to agree a deal with their neighbours for the attacker.

Hudson-Odoi spent last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen

Hudson-Odoi, 22, is a product of Chelsea’s fruitful youth academy and made his senior debut for the club during an FA Cup win over Newcastle United in 2018.

The winger was a regular during the 2018/19 season under Maurizio Sarri, making 24 appearances across all competitions.

His playing time has been limited since then, though, and he was sent on loan to German side Bayer Leverkusen last summer.

The three-time England international made 21 appearances across all competitions during his year in Germany, but only scored once and provided just one assist.

He has since returned to Stamford Bridge but faces an uncertain future under new manager Pochettino, and Romano claims that he is now likely to leave the club this summer.

He also claims that Marco Silva’s decision to snub a move to Saudi Arabia and remain as Fulham manager has been key in persuading Hudson-Odoi to return to negotiations with the Cottagers.

At present, Hudson-Odoi is contracted to Chelsea until next summer.