Cesar Azpilicueta believes Callum Hudson-Odoi can save Chelsea millions in the transfer market and make an impact for the first team this season.
Hudson-Odoi was Chelsea’s best player at the Aviva Stadium as they created several chances in the first hour of their 1-1 draw with Arsenal.
Hudson-Odoi dribbled past Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin time and time again and was applauded by both sets of supporters when substituted.
Chelsea have been considering bids for a few wide men before the transfer window shuts next week.
Azpilicueta, however, believes the club already have a star within their own ranks. He said: “Callum is very talented. He has shown great character, great quality and is playing very well. His performances during pre-season have been very good and now it’s up to him to keep up that level.
“If he keeps doing that he will be very important for the team. It is all about consistency. He is coming from an academy level. He played with us a few times last season and he is improving. That is really important.
“But he has still room to improve. He is just 17 and he can go far. Every time he went one on one against Bellerin, he was creating problems but his defensive work is also helping the team.”
Chelsea are aware that a number of Europe’s leading clubs are interested in the teenager, who was a part of England Under-17s World Cup-winning side last year.
It is understood the club have offered him a five-year contract in order to secure his long-term future at Stamford Bridge. The deal has yet to be signed, with Hudson-Odoi wanting some kind of reassurance over how much game time he will get.
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri said last night the winger will not be loaned out, despite enquiries from several teams, and will be a part of his plans for the forthcoming campaign.
He added: “Hudson-Odoi is a very young player. We have to wait. In the future he will be a very, very strong player for sure. He will stay with us (in the first team) for the season.”
Meanwhile, Sarri was set to have talks today with Willian after the Brazilian reported late to training following his post-World Cup holiday.
