Omari Kellyman was due for his Chelsea medical on Monday ahead of completing a £19million move from Aston Villa.
The 18-year-old forward is expected a sign a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge, and should form part of head coach Enzo Maresca’s senior squad.
England Under-20s cap Kellyman has made six first team appearances at Villa, after joining from Derby County in 2022.
Kellyman will represent Chelsea’s second high-profile youth signing from Villa under the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital ownership.
The Blues paid £20million for Carney Chukwuemeka in August 2022, with the west Londoners sticking firmly to their policy of recruiting young players with bright futures.
Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen is also close to completing his £37.5million move to Aston Villa, in a deal separate from the Kellyman situation.
Villa have stepped in for the Holland defender, after Borussia Dortmund were able to meet Chelsea’s asking price for the talented 22-year-old.
Maatsen helped Dortmund reach the Champions League final in a season-long loan, but is now on the cusp of leaving Chelsea permanently.
