by Lee Hurley

After closing in on a deal to sign Petr Cech from Chelsea, reports have emerged that the Gunners are eyeing up 18-year-old Chelsea midfielder Charly Musonda.

That’s the story at least.

The player has recently spoken about his future and while he is hopeful of staying at the club he is willing to go out on loan to further his chances. But a loan deal is surely not something Arsenal would be interested in – after all, why would they help develop a youngster for Chelsea’s benefit?

Speaking to the press in France, Musonda said “Everything will depend on the discussions that I will have with the coach and the club’s management late in the season.

“For now I do not know at all where I will play next season, but I think a loan is possible. My priority is Chelsea and obviously if I can get playing time, I’ll stay, but if this is not the case, I will ask for a loan.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 05: Charly Musonda of Chelsea battles with Luke Amos and Charlie Owens of Spurs during the FA Youth Cup Semi Final, first leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at White Hart Lane on March 5, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 05: Charly Musonda of Chelsea battles with Luke Amos and Charlie Owens of Spurs during the FA Youth Cup Semi Final, first leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at White Hart Lane on March 5, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

Hailed as a ‘Belgian prodigy’ and the ‘best of his generation’ Arsenal are said to be one of three clubs looking to buy him.

The famous ‘source close to the player’ said “There are big clubs such as Manchester City, Arsenal and PSG who want a transfer. But also Monaco, Marseille and PSV Eindhoven who want a loan with option to purchase. Charly wants to play at the highest level next season and wants to go to a club where he can have guarantees in terms of playing time and will be Chelsea’s caliber. 

“With the Blues, he has no guarantees, and that’s what disturbs him, especially as he is very attached to this club that allowed him to experience the highest level.

“The Blues are open to him going, but not for less than € 10 million. And for now, Manchester City has an edge to Arsenal, PSG is a little less offensive to the folder [?]. I must say that Paris is waiting to learn more about the sanctions of financial fair play and waiting to see the players who will leave.

“Today, he keeps all the options open, but a move to a big club is a great possibility. Now he must find an agreement with Chelsea and the big clubs. Otherwise, he will leave no doubt on loan to PSV. 

“This really is a top club in the Netherlands, which plays an attractive style of football and regularly evolves in the European Cup. For that alone, it is an undeniable advantage over Monaco and Marseille who are also very interested.”

Watch Musonda in action:


L’époustouflante technique de Charly Musonda by evidenceprod