Chelsea have confirmed the signing of 18-year-old starlet Omari Hutchinson from Arsenal.
The Jamaica international has left the Emirates to link up with the Blues' Under-23 squad after talks over a new contract with the Gunners supposedly broke down.
Hutchinson was a notable absentee from Arsenal's squad for their pre-season tour to the United States alongside fellow youngsters Charlie Patino, Salah Oulad M'Hand and Marcelo Flores.
Speculation arose that the teenager would be sent out on loan to continue his development, but reports emerged on Friday of Chelsea agreeing a deal to sign the attacker.
The Blues have now confirmed that Hutchinson has made the journey across London to sign for Arsenal's capital rivals, and he departs the Emirates seven years after arriving from Charlton Athletic's academy.
Speaking to the official Chelsea website, head of youth recruitment Jim Fraser expressed his joy at wrapping up a deal for the "exciting" and "brilliant" Hutchinson.
"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," Fraser said.
Hutchinson leaves Arsenal having failed to make his senior debut for the Gunners, although he was named on Mikel Arteta's bench in the Premier League, EFL Cup and FA Cup last term.
The former England youth international played 45 minutes of a 5-1 pre-season friendly win over Ipswich Town earlier this month and was a consistent threat at youth level for the Gunners.
Hutchinson registered nine goals and nine assists in 24 Under-18s matches before making the step-up to Under-23s level, where he hit eight goals and seven assists in 21 matches last term.
In the 2021-22 Premier League 2 season, Hutchinson had a direct hand in 12 goals (six strikes, six assists) in 17 matches to help Kevin Betsy's side finish third in the division.
Hutchinson also scored against Chelsea's Under-23s and Newport County in the 2021-22 EFL Trophy, helping Arsenal's prospects reach the quarter-finals before defeat to Wigan Athletic.
After representing England up to Under-19 level, Hutchinson made his senior debut for Jamaica in a 6-0 defeat to Catalonia back in May.
As well as Hutchinson, Chelsea also announced the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli on a four-year contract on Friday night, with the centre-back following Raheem Sterling to the English capital. body check tags ::
