Arsenal target on-loan Chelsea youngster

Arsenal are planning on luring Chelsea prospect Nathaniel Chalobah to the Emirates with the offer of first team football says The Daily Express – something The Blues just can’t offer him right now.

Another savvy piece of business from Arsene Wenger or a sign of just how big the gap between the two sides actually is?

Chalobah has impressed during his loan spell at Championship side Watford this season, but is still not seen as ready to step into the Chelsea first team just yet. Arsenal on the other hand could probably use a little bit of steel in the midfield, or a composed presence at the back, both qualities which the 18-year-old could bring, despite his youth.

The youngster has become an important part of Stuart Pearce’s England under-21 side and will star in the Young Lions European Championship campaign in Israel this summer.

He is concentrating on keeping his sides’ good form going and performing well when the tournament does come around.

We will try to put out a good performance again and keep the run going,” said Chalobah.

“All the lads are ready and prepared for the game – and for this summer.

“It would be a great achievement for me to get to Israel. It’s a big achievement just playing for the Under-21s, but getting to the finals is even better. It shows how well my season has been going if I manage to make the squad.”

But will his club-level future be decided by then? Will it be another loan spell before a making the grade at Chelsea? A return to Stamford Bridge to occupy the bench? Or a fresh start with the Gunners?

Jack Johnson