Fabrizio Romano: Chelsea are ‘in advanced talks to sign’ 18-year-old talent

Chelsea are on the verge of signing Alex Matos on a free transfer

Chelsea are close to signing Alex Matos for their U-21 squad on a free transfer. The 18-year-old has been a standout player for the Norwich youth squad this year, making 13 Premier League 2 outings.

Matos will be included in the youth project set by Jim Fraser. Fraser was given a promotion last month to director of recruiting and youth development, under Todd Boehly’s ownership.

Matos will join players including Andrey Santos, Gabriel Slonina, Dujuan Richards, and many more in an effort to gradually bring players into the first-team squad.

At the Under-12 level, Matos transferred from Luton Town to the Canaries in 2016 and has remained with them ever since. The talented midfielder signed a scholarship agreement with the team in July 2021, but with Chelsea firmly pounding on the door, he may be free to depart.

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romao confirmed on his official Twitter page (h/t Football.London), where he posted updates on youngster free transfer rumour:

“Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign U-18 talent Alex Matos (2004) from Norwich. 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.”

Chelsea have shown remarkable potential in fostering the development of young players at the club, and this will be another fantastic young talent if they are able to sign him. The fact that it could be a free transfer is the cherry on top.

It means he will be a low -risk high-reward investment on our part. Not every young player we sign will succeed here. We notably undertook such an approach in the early 2010s and saw players like Kevin de Bruyne and Mohamed Salah slip from under our noses.

This time, hopefully, the success rate is high with regard to the young players we have signed, and hopefully, we don’t let any talented ones leave.

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As for Matos, he will have enough time to create an impression with the young squad, and if Graham Potter is persuaded by his effort, he will undoubtedly have a chance to participate in the senior team. And however, for the time being, let’s try to get him as a free transfer.