Exclusive claims Chelsea are ready to hand “perfect” midfield wonderkid contract next week

Kieran Gill’s Chelsea Confidential for the Daily Mail is always a great read, especially when it comes up with some original reporting – and that’s just what it’s done this week.

According to the well connected journalist, Chelsea will be offering a first senior contract to a rising star of the youth academy.

Starboy Walsh ready to build on debut with first senior contract

Reggie Walsh on his full debut. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Reggie Walsh has been given the Enzo Maresca seal of approval, with the manager calling him a “perfect” player for his system after his debut last season. According to Gill, the deal will be signed next week, although nobody knows when Chelsea will choose to announce it:

“Walsh will sign his first professional contract with Chelsea next week, with sources confirming he is to put pen to paper on a pre-agreed deal after turning 17 years old,” Gill wrote.

“The Blues were keen to tie down the technically-gifted teenager as soon as possible, with head coach Enzo Maresca a particular fan of the England youth player.

“He has already appeared three times for Chelsea’s senior side under Maresca. That included him becoming their youngest-ever starter in a European competition, at 16 years and 200 days, in their Conference League semi-final second-leg victory over Djurgardens.”

We’ve been disappointed not to see more glimpses of Reggie this season – hopefully signing a new deal gets him more of a look in. However with Romeo Lavia back and Dario Essugo returning to fitness, it’s not going to get any easier.

In other news…

Another under 18 year old Chelsea want to contract is Cardoso Varela, a former Porto wonderkid now playing at Dinamo Zagreb.

Meanwhile, pundits have suggested playing Joao Pedro as a number 10, an option likely on Enzo Maresca’s mind as we approach Saturday’s early kick off against Nottingham Forest.