Chelsea 'complete deal for Norwich City youngster'

When a consortium led by Todd Boehly took over the West Londoners almost a year ago, it quickly became apparent that there would be a strong emphasis on signing top prospects.

While some of those have been earmarked for more immediate first-team involvement than others, the change in approach is designed to helped Chelsea build for the future.

However, the Blues face a summer of rebuilding, the club sitting in 12th position in the Premier League standings and will not play European football during 2023-24.

The appointment of Mauricio Pochettino will, in theory, lead to an onus being placed on the development of young talent, largely with the players already at Stamford Bridge.

Nevertheless, Chelsea continue to make notable additions to their youth ranks with Matos the latest player in line to link up with the club's Under-21 ranks.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have finalised the transfer of the Canaries teenager over the past 24 hours.

The winger will allegedly make the switch on a free transfer, with a number of add-ons in line to be activated should he break into the first team.

The 18-year-old has not made a senior appearance for Norwich, but the former England Under-18 international has featured regularly in the youth ranks.

Nine goals and seven assists have been contributed from 39 outings in the U18 Premier League, with a further 18 matches coming in Premier League 2.

Matos will follow the additions of Jimmy-Jay Morgan and Christopher Atherton, who have been brought in from Southampton and Glenavon since the turn of the year.

Chelsea hold a desire to re-establish themselves as the best academy setup, the young Blues currently 13 points adrift of leaders Manchester City in Premier League 2.

At Under-18 level, they finished fourth in the South section, 20 points behind first-placed West Ham United.