Chelsea have reportedly secured a deal to acquire Caleb Wiley from Atlanta United.
This marks the sixth signing for the Blues this summer, having already brought in Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester City, alongside young talents Marc Guiu, Estevao Willian, and Omari Kellyman.
Chelsea’s focus on young talent remains steadfast, with The Athletic revealing the club is on the verge of signing 19-year-old Wiley for £8.5 million.
The left-back is anticipated to be loaned out to Strasbourg in France for the next season.
Though Wiley was not included in Gregg Berhalter’s roster for this summer’s Copa America, he has earned two caps for the senior United States men’s team.
Chelsea is also nearing agreements for two additional young defenders, Aaron Anselmino from Boca Juniors and Renato Veiga from FC Basel. Anselmino’s transfer, valued at $18 million, £14.1 million, will see him remain on loan in Argentina for up to another year.
Veiga is expected to undergo his medical at Stamford Bridge shortly ahead of his €14 million, £11.8 million,transfer.
Despite the influx of young recruits, new manager Enzo Maresca is optimistic about the existing squad.
In his initial interview as Chelsea manager, he said, “One of the reasons I’m here is because I’m convinced the squad is very good and full of talent. The most important thing now is we’re able to create the right culture that drives us for the season. I always say the same: if you are able to improve players then you are able to improve the team. So it’s our target to try to improve all of them day by day.”
