Chelsea are unwilling to budge on their asking price for Callum Hudson-Odoi. The 22-year-old is the subject of serious interest from Fulham and Lazio, but he is set to snub ex-Blues boss Maurizio Sarri and prioritise staying in the Premier League, providing the Cottagers cough up the cash.
Hudson-Odoi spent last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, although he failed to rediscover the kind of form that saw Bayern Munich launch a bid worth £70million back in 2020.
Chelsea turned their noses up at the eye-watering offer, and they are set to lose the winger for a fraction of the price this summer. Express Sport understands that banking the full extent of Hudson-Odoi’s asking price – thought to be around £10million – is a deal-breaker for the Blues.
Mauricio Pochettino and co are unwilling to come down or compromise, which is stalling the youngster’s move to Fulham.
Hudson-Odoi has his heart set on a switch to Craven Cottage. Gaining regular minutes in the Premier League has been the objective all summer, which always meant trouble for his overseas suitors.
Lazio are the latest to emerge as contenders, although Hudson-Odoi is understood to prefer a move to Fulham over a reunion with manager Sarri, who gave him his debut at Chelsea.
With the Brazilian, who also plays on the wing, set to make game time more difficult to come by, Hudson-Odoi was initially understood to be apprehensive about the move. But the mood has since changed, and Willian provided further temptation for his ex-team-mate to force through an exit this week by openly discussing their possible reunion.
“If he comes here it would be good for us and I hope he can come,” he told the Evening Standard. “I don’t know if he will join. I haven’t spoken to him. I am waiting after seeing it in the newspapers and media! He is a very good player.”