Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Arsenal youth player Omari Hutchinson. The player had been in discussions with the club for a new contract, so this has come as a surprise to many. This move will hurt Arsenal’s academy because the club had hopes that the player will follow Saka, Smith-Rowe and others into the first team.
Arsenal’s participation in the Europa League would have given many of the young players first team opportunities.
Head of youth recruitment at Chelsea Jim Fraser said: ‘We are delighted that Omari has agreed to sign for Chelsea. He is a brilliant addition who joins us as an exciting emerging talent hoping to make a quick impression in the senior game.’
Hutchinson was in the matchday squad several times but never made it onto the pitch. He featured in the 2021/22 Premier League 2 and also played for the under 23s in the EFL Trophy, helping Arsenal reach the quarter finals where they lost to Wigan.
Hutchinson, a former England youth player has switch from representing England to Jamaica and is already a full international.
The switch is unlikely to have a major effect on the Arsenal academy, but should be a warning sign to the club that it needs to give chances to some of its young players.
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