Nathaniel Chalobah set for key talks with Chelsea regarding his future — report

Having played his last youth international for England — a record 97th at all age levels 21 and under in Tuesday’s Euro U21 semifinal loss against Germany — Chelsea midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah is now set for more hard-hitting action with some crunch talks at club level regarding his future.

According to Simon Johnson of the Evening Standard, the 22-year-old will meet the club’s decision-makers next week to talk through his contractual situation, which will see the midfielder enter the final year of his current contract but with fresh new competition for midfield spot like fellow 22-year-old big-money signing Tiemoué Bakayoko. Should he be convinced that he has got a future at Stamford Brdige, there is a new five-year deal waiting for him to sign.

Although Bakayoko looks ready to join, it does look like the much older Nemanja Matic will be leaving as a result to re-join José Mourinho at Manchester United. This coupled with Chelsea's busier schedule in the 2017-18 season should provide more opportunities for Chalobah to feature.

From the sounds of it, Chalobah remains highly regarded not only by Antonio Conte (despite “only” giving him 15 appearances last season) but by the Chelsea brass as well. His quality as a player has been clear for quite a while, and he certainly seems destined for big things and a great career. Hopefully, those big things will come for him in a Chelsea shirt.