Chelsea set to lose talented striker, 19, who embarrassed first team stars as he rejects new contract
CHELSEA are set to lose a talented academy striker who has outshone the first team.
Donnell McNeilly has turned down a new deal at Stamford Bridge.
TRANSFER NEWS LIVE – KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW
The striker is set to leave the club at the end of his contract, which expires this summer.
The Athletic have claimed that the Blues wanted to hand him an extension.
However, McNeilly, 19, rejected the opportunity to stay at the club.
It is suggested that the forward is keen to gain more first-team experience and playing time.
He has not played a single minute for Chelsea‘s first team despite embarrassing senior stars in training.
Manager Enzo Maresca cancelled a day off for the first team after McNeilly scored a brace against them.
The goals came in a match between the senior side and the Under-21s.
McNeilly is one of the leading scorers in the youth ranks with 12 in 18 Premier League 2 games.
He will have plenty of options with EFL clubs lining up for his signature.
The youngster may not have to drop down a level as he is gaining interest from Premier League clubs.
The report has suggested that McNeilly will pick the team with the “best pathway” to first-team football.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are also losing a forgotten man who has not played in THREE years.
Back-up goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli agreed a deal to join Manchester City.
He will be the replacement for veteran Scott Carson, who has left the Etihad.
Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plus
in-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge