Chelsea tie academy graduate down to new contract

Chelsea have confirmed young defender Alfie Gilchrist has signed a new contract to tie himself to the club until 2026.

Gilchrist, a centre-back by trade, has made 12 appearances for Mauricio Pochettino's first team this season and has three FA Cup starts to his name.

The youngster has already won Chelsea fans over with his no-nonsense style of defending, and his breakthrough has now been rewarded with a new contract that also includes the option for a further 12 months until the summer of 2027.

"Signing this contract at Chelsea is a massive achievement for me and my family," said Gilchrist. "It was a no-brainer and every time I've signed a contract here it has felt nicer and nicer. But now I want to keep on pushing on and keep improving."

Co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley added: "We are delighted to give Alfie this new contract at Chelsea.

"It has been a pleasure to see him continue his development within the club by breaking into the first-team squad this season. We are looking forward to seeing him progress further in the years to come."

According to The Athletic, Chelsea's plan for Gilchrist is to loan him out next season, with a handful of Championship sides already showing interest in taking the 20-year-old for the 2024/25 campaign. Both Chelsea and Gilchrist see a loan move as the best way to proceed.

With Gilchrist's future now wrapped up, Chelsea must make decisions on a handful of his senior teaMMAtes. Conor Gallagher is approaching the final 12 months of his contract, while fellow academy graduate Trevoh Chalobah could be sold to raise money.

READ THE LATEST CHELSEA NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP