Wigan close in on loan deal for Chelsea wonderkid midfielder
Wigan Athletic are closing in on a loan deal for highly-rated Chelsea midfielder Reggie Walsh as the Blues prepare to send the teenager out for his first sustained spell of senior football.
The League One club have led the race for Walsh throughout the past week, despite interest from clubs higher up the EFL.
The situation has now advanced further. BBC Sport reports that Wigan are closing in on the 17-year-old, while Nizaar Kinsella also says a temporary move is getting closer.
Walsh is also expected to agree a new Chelsea contract as the club continue to plan for his long-term development.
A move to Wigan would give Walsh the opportunity to play regular men’s football after another summer spent around Chelsea’s senior squad.
The midfielder travelled on Xabi Alonso’s pre-season tour and was among the young players pushing for minutes during the final game against Johor Darul Ta’zim.
ReadChelsea highlighted Walsh as one of Alonso’s midfield options before Sunday’s tour finale, with the youngster continuing to train alongside established first-team players.
His opportunities at Stamford Bridge would still be limited once the competitive season begins.
Chelsea already have strong competition in central midfield, while several senior players who missed the tour are returning to Cobham this week.
The club have therefore been looking for a destination where Walsh can play regularly without losing control of his long-term future.
ReadChelsea first reported on 2 August that Wigan were leading the race, although no agreement had been reached at that stage.
The latest update suggests the deal has now moved significantly closer.
Walsh has already made four senior appearances for Chelsea and became the club’s youngest Champions League player last season.
A full campaign in League One would provide a very different challenge. Wigan can offer the midfielder regular exposure to experienced senior opponents while Chelsea monitor his progress closely.
The deal is not officially complete yet, but Wigan now appear increasingly likely to win the race for one of Cobham’s highest-rated young midfielders.
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