Ipswich Town Chase Permanent Transfer for Chelsea Forward, Omari Hutchinson
Chelsea Want £30 Million
Fabrizio Romano reports that Ipswich have opened discussions with Chelsea regarding the transfer of Hutchinson. Kieran McKenna’s decision to stay as manager is believed to be a “key factor” in the club’s renewed interest in the attacker. It will not be an easy deal to close though, as a two-year extension clause in the player’s contract was recently triggered, awarding the selling club with additional leverage in negotiations.
The London outfit have made it clear that they will only consider permanent transfer offers at an asking price of around £25-30 million. Additionally, a sell-on clause is likely to be included, although no buy-back clause has been discussed at this stage.
A loan move in the Championship last term was very successful, and the player has previously spoken of his “hope to stay at Ipswich Town”. Hutchinson was awarded the Young Player of the Season award by the side, after a stellar campaign with 11 goals and 5 assists in 50 appearances. In particular, his goals at the tail-end of the campaign won the hearts of fans and helped secure promotion to the top flight.
Lots of Interested Clubs
A talent of this calibre will undoubtedly have many interested suitors. Several teams were mentioned in the race for the Englishman’s signature, including some Premier League sides, Ajax, Feyenoord, and Stuttgart, who were considered favourites at one point.
However given the player’s publicized preference, and the fact that negotiations are moving quickly, it looks like Hutchinson is most likely headed to Eastern England again to reunite with McKenna for next season.
Described as a “Cobham star”, the 20-year-old is one of the many future talents stocked up in the Blue’s pipeline. Eyebrows were raised when the player made the shock switch across London from the Arsenal youth academy. It seems as though his plans have worked out quite well, and if this deal were to go through, Hutchinson would be presented with an opportunity to showcase his abilities in the Premier League.
