Bayern make third bid for Callum Hudson-Odoi — reports

Having completed the signing of Willian-replacement Christian Pulisic this week, Chelsea look to lock down the future of the left side of the attack as well by convincing young Callum Hudson-Odoi to put pen to paper to a new long-term deal with the club.

The urgency on this front has increased even further thanks to Bayern Munich’s unrelenting pursuit of the 18-year-old. As per Goal’s Nizaar Kinsella, Bayern have made a third bid for Hudson-Odoi, following overtures at £13m and £20m.

While this seems to be trending the wrong way as far as Hudson-Odoi’s Chelsea future is concerned, Sky do claim that Bayern are still £10 million short of the price where Chelsea might consider doing business.

The five-year deal offered to Hudson-Odoi, who signed a three-year deal last summer is still on the table. However, Chelsea and coach Maurizio Sarri have done little to assuage the fears over playing time. One way to possibly reduce CHO’s worries over playing time is a loan stint, and Chelsea are ready to offer him that. but only if he commits his future to the club by signing a new contract.

But life is far from ideal. What we cannot have is another Dominic Solanke scenario, where we just lose a player for (almost) free and he goes to a major rival. A buyback clause would be an absolute must, if worst comes to worst (even if it results in a lower upfront fee), but it would be nice to not have to mend this mistake later on by simply keeping and playing Hudson-Odoi right now.