Man City sign 'huge talent' from Chelsea - Fabrizio Romano

Jacque Talbot

• 29 Jun 2024 17:30 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea have seen one of their brightest young talents leave the club to Manchester City, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Ryan McAido is set to leave the Blues and will join the Premier League champions, with the reporter saying that the club hijacked the deal as other proposals were on the table for the 16-year-old.

Indeed, other publications suggested that Arsenal and Liverpool were also keen on the teenager.

The Reds are, in particular, keen to add to their academy this summer, with Wolves youngster Alvin Ayman also close to signing for the Anfield club.

READ MORE: Chelsea one of three clubs under fire as Premier League tighten up transfer 'swap' rules

The England under-17 international signed for the PLG agency earlier this year, which is run by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s brother, Tyler. Players such as Andy Robertson are clients of the firm which has great ties to the Merseyside club.

He has also played in midfield against Northern Ireland and Hungary in UEFA Euro under-17 Championship qualification matches, but was not called up for the final squad.

READ MORE: Arsenal make MILLIONS from Chelsea transfer

🚨🔵 EXCLUSIVE: Ryan McAidoo leaves Chelsea and he’s set to join Manchester City, here we go!

2008 born talented forward decides to join City, deal hijacked after proposals from other Premier League top clubs.

Deal in place and huge talent for #MCFC Academy. pic.twitter.com/7t0VygVBrS

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 29, 2024

McAidoo, who has only just turned 16, featured at under-18 Premier League level for Chelsea last season, where he made four appearances.

But he has decided to leave the club and look for somewhere else to develop.

Arsenal miss out on youngster

Earlier this month, Romano claimed it was Arsenal who had made the best offer for the teenager.

“Arsenal made proposal and they are currently leading the race to sign Ryan McAidoo, 2008-born talented forward,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“He’s expected to leave Chelsea this summer; best project proposal so far came from Arsenal. McAidoo played for England U16 and U17 this season.”

But, indeed, Man City have appeared to have beaten others to the punch and sealed the deal.