Chelsea are poised to sign highly-rated Norwich City winger Alex Matos on a free transfer, according to reports.
The teenager has been courted by the Blues for a significant portion of time, leading City to tie him down to a professional deal back in 2021.
Chelsea's perseverance looks to have paid off with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reporting via his Twitter account that the attacker is in advanced talks over a move to Stamford Bridge.
Romano is reporting that Matos is in 'advanced talks' to join Chelsea on a free transfer, with Norwich entitled to a series of add-ons. Other Premier League clubs are thought to be interested.
It's understood that Matos played for Chelsea's development side in a friendly against Charlton in a 3-0 victory. The City youngster featured alongside N'Golo Kante and recorded two assists.
Due to FA rules, 17-year-olds can only sign a professional deal that is maximum three years in length. City announced Matos' deal in October 2021. At 18, this increases to five years.
Similarly to other academy graduates like Max Aarons and Jamal Lewis, Matos arrived at City from Luton Town as an U12 and was playing a year above his age group even at that early stage.
Matos was wanted by a host of top clubs, including Chelsea, before settling on a move to Norwich - largely down to the persuasive powers of former academy chief Gregg Broughton.
Interest has remained in the striker as he has moved up the ranks, prompting City to move swiftly to tie him down just three months after becoming a scholar.
As a ten-year-old, Matos was viewed as one of hottest young talents in English football and has continued to impress during his time in the youth ranks at Carrow Road.
EXCL: Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign U-18 talent Alex Matos (2004) from Norwich 🚨🔵 #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 24, 2023
Deal entering closing stages, it will be done on a free transfer with add-ons.
English winger will become part of Jim Fraser project, pushing for signing to build top U21 squad. pic.twitter.com/Dj8WosbGx2
This season, Matos has made eight appearances for City's U18 side and played 13 times for Alan Neilson's U23s in the Premier League 2 Division 2, recording three assists.
A departure would be a big blow to Norwich - who have invested plenty in his development and rate his prospects of breaking into the first team squad in the near future highly.
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