According to reports from The Evening Standard this afternoon, Chelsea are prepared to sell highly-rated youngster Charly Musonda for £7million this summer.
The attacking midfielder is one of the more noteworthy talents from their academy ranks and has amassed an impressive haul of 25 goals in 42 appearances across the youth levels for Belgium, earning comparisons with PFA Player of the Year Eden Hazard.
But the 18 year-old is yet to make a first team appearance for the Blues and is resultantly concerned that his progress could become stifled by the almighty competition for places within the Stamford Bridge squad.
Despite penning extended terms until 2019 in March, the son of the former Zambia international (Charly Musonda Senior) admitted in May that he could be forced to seek opportunities abroad to find regular football.
But according to The Evening Standard, who cite French publication Foot Mercato, there’s also interest in his services from the Premier League, with Arsenal and Manchester City both tracking the attacker’s situation. They also claim Chelsea would be prepared to let Musonda leave for just £7million this summer.
“There are big clubs such as Manchester City, Arsenal and PSG who want a direct transfer,” a source close to the player told Foot Mercato.
“But also Monaco, Marseille and PSV want a loan deal with an option to buy.Charly wants to play at the highest level next season and he wants to go to a club where he can have guarantees in terms of playing time, and who will be of Chelsea’s calibre.
“With the Blues, he does not have guarantees, and that disturbs him, especially as he is very attached to the club.”
“The Blues are open to his departure, but not for less than €10 million [£7 million]. And for the moment, Manchester City have an edge over Arsenal,” he added.