Chelsea are in talks with Charlton Athletic to sign highly-rated 18-year-old starlet Mason Burstow.
According to Goal’s Chelsea correspondent Nizaar Kinsella on Twitter, the Blues are currently talking with Charlton Athletic about a move for Mason Burstow as the January transfer window draws to a close.
The 18-year-old is one of the finest young talents in League One and has seen his reputation soar at the Valley. Having come through the ranks at the club, Burstow made his senior debut earlier for the Addicks this season. He has so far made 14 appearances for the club’s first team, scoring six times and assisting twice in the process.
While it is still the English third division, the teenager’s numbers hint at a real special talent at work. It is not easy to thrive in English football’s physically combative lower tiers, and Burstow’s ability to do so makes him a real prospect.
Given the performances, it is no surprise that Chelsea are in the mix to land him this January. The Blues have a robust youth system that has several promising players come through the ranks. Burstow would be a top-class recruit who could prove his worth in the years to come.
Chelsea are in talks with Mason Burstow from Charlton Athletic. The deal isn't done yet but it is progressing. The fee is described as 'substantial' by manager Johnnie Jackson who left him out of his Charlton squad tonight. #CFC https://t.co/lXO5e8u7gq https://t.co/JuvPFuQYPQ
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) January 31, 2022
As things stand, both Chelsea and Charlton are currently in negotiations, but there is nothing agreed yet. Burstow was, however, left out of the Addicks’ game against Portsmouth tonight, hinting that a potential transfer could be on the cards. With just hours to go before the January window closes, the Blues face a race against time to get the deal over the line.
Given that Charlton too appear to be open to the sale, it should just be a matter of time before an amicable conclusion is reached. The Addicks manager Johnnie Jackson has also revealed that the Blues have made a significant offer for the youngster’s services. While Burstow is unlikely to impact Chelsea this season, he appears to be a sound investment for the future.
Chelsea have seen that spending the cash on top strikers does not necessarily guarantee success at Stamford Bridge. In recent years, big money was spent on Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku, but neither player has reached the expected levels. Hopefully, Burstow will prove to be a steal in the long run and develop into the reliable striker that the club is currently seeking.
