CHELSEA have snapped up ANOTHER youngster this summer after completing the signing of Zak Sturge.
Sturge, 18, has completed a move to Stamford Bridge from Brighton.
A statement on Chelsea’s website said: “Chelsea have completed the signing of teenage defender Zak Sturge from Brighton & Hove Albion.
“The England Under-18 international was a regular for the Seagulls at youth team level last season, making 22 appearances as the South Coast side reached the FA Youth Cup quarter-finals and finished eighth in the Under-18 Premier League southern section.
“During a three-year stay at Brighton, he played predominantly as an attack-minded left-back, utilising his athleticism and impressive speed.
“Prior to that, the 18-year-old played grassroots football in west London, where he was born and grew up.”
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The signing of the teenager represents the fifth 18-year-old the club has signed this window.
The Blues added Carney Chukwuemeka to their first-team in a £20million signing from Aston Villa earlier this week.
Highly-rated winger Omari Huthcinson joined from Arsenal, while goalkeepers Gabriel Slonina and Eddie Beach have joined from Chicago Fire and Southampton respectively.
On Sturge, Jim Fraser, Chelsea’s head of youth recruitment, added: “We are really pleased that Zak has agreed to sign for Chelsea, where he will initially strengthen our Under-21s squad as he looks to continue his development.
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“‘Zak is another emerging talent to join us this summer and we cannot wait for him to get started at Cobham.’”
New owner Todd Boehly has also added Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly to Thomas Tuchel’s squad, while Brighton defender Marc Cucurella is set to join for £62m after completing his medical.
Despite this big outlay on talent, they might not be done there.
Josko Gvardiol of RB Leipzig remains a top target, while Palmeiras and Inter Milan stars Endrick and Cesare Casadei are also on their list.
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16-year-old Southampton midfielder Tyler Dibling is also on their radar.
Chelsea kickstart their season when they visit Everton on Saturday, and SunSport have outlined how they could line up for their first game of the season.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
