Chelsea confirm latest transfer exit deal as £34.5million edges closer

Chelsea have confirmed that centre-back Alfie Gilchrist has joined Sheffield United on a season-long loan as the next step in his development. The club statement read: “Chelsea defender Alfie Gilchrist has joined Sheffield United on a season-long loan.”

Last season was truly special for the 20-year-old, who broke through Mauricio Pochettino's side on Boxing Day, impressing in his debut against Crystal Palace and taking every opportunity given to him. He finished the campaign with 16 games. He then signed a new deal with the club and even scored his first Premier League goal. However, it was clear he would be sent out on loan when he was left out of the first-team squad that travelled to America for pre-season.

Sources close to Chelsea say he is highly rated behind the scenes and has everything it takes to become an absolute superstar for the team.

In more transfer news, Chelsea are closing in on signing Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion for a fee of £34.5 million this summer. The Blues have identified the 20-year-old as the man to generate competition for Nicolas Jackson.

Omorodion, 20, joined Atletico last summer, days after making his La Liga debut for Granada, during which he scored against Atletico. Atletico immediately sent Omorodion to Alaves on loan, where he scored eight goals in 35 appearances last season.

He is currently at the Olympics and has scored once in Spain's run to the final. The deal is expected to be confirmed once all parties are sure it will not impact his contract as his country aims for gold in France.

When the deal is finalized, he will be the ninth player Chelsea have signed this summer, including Tosin Adarabioyo and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, among others.