Chelsea youngsters to stay or go?

Barcelona are looking into re-signing Oriol Romeu from Chelsea as a replacement for Seydou Keita. The defensive midfielder won 14 trophies during his four years at Barcelona but had a clause in his contract that allowed him to leave for free if he didn’t play enough games in a season. The 32-year old has joined Chinese club Dalian Aerbin on massive wages and Barcelona are desperate for a replacement.

Romeu only joined Chelsea last summer after failing to tie down a place in the starting eleven for Barcelona. He rose through the club’s youth system and played 49 times for the B team but only twice for the full team. He started well for Chelsea under Villas-Boas but lost his place in the second half of the season under Di Matteo.

He is going to play at the Olympics and has stated that he is unaware of interest from Barcelona, but he must be anxious about his position in the team. The 20-year old will want some reassurance from Chelsea that he will be given an opportunity. There is some kind of buy back clause in his contract but, apparently, it only gives Barcelona first refusal if Chelsea decide to sell.

One youngster who will be leaving Chelsea, if only briefly, is 17-year old central defender Nathaniel Chalobah. The talented young player helped Chelsea win the FA youth cup last season, and will continue his progress in the Championship. Di Matteo is looking for a loan deal to continue his education. Chalobah is currently with England’s under-19 team at the European finals in Estonia.

The defender has scored one goal already and helped England to reach the semi-final stage. A star is born.