Chelsea confirm third exit as Arsenal earn transfer windfall for record fee

Ipswich Town have completed the signing of Chelsea youngster Omari Hutchinson for a club-record fee.

The 20-year-old ends his two-year stay at Stamford Bridge after returning to West London from Arsenal after spending seven years with the Gunners. The Blues twice released Hutchinson during his formative years before finding form at Charlton Athletic before earning a move to North London.

He returned to SW6 for an undisclosed fee in 2022 but made just two senior appearances for Chelsea, including a Premier League cameo against Manchester City in January 2023. Hutchinson signed for the Tractor Boys on loan last season and was an inspiration addition as Kieran McKenna’s side secured a second successive promotion – sending them back to the top-flight for the first time in 22 years.

The Jamaican international made 50 appearances for the Suffolk club, scoring 11 goals and contributing six assists. His future in the capital was uncertain after a successful stint in the Championship, but McKenna’s side have snapped up the attacker on a five-year deal for a club-record fee.

The Evening Standard has claimed that Arsenal installed a sell-on clause in the region of 15 to 20 percent at the time of his move to the Blues. The Northern Irish manager, who was heavily linked with the Chelsea vacancy earlier in the summer, expressed his delight at tying down the winger on a long-term deal.

“We’re so pleased to bring Omari back on a permanent basis,” he said. “Omari is someone we all enjoyed working with last season and the staff, his teammates and supporters all saw how he grew and developed over the course of the year, which is testament to the hard work he put in.

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“The impact he had on the team throughout the season, especially in the latter part, was evidence of that and he, like so many of his teammates, played a significant part in that success for the club.

“We think Omari is a fantastic player and person to have at the club for the long-term future. He has a hunger to improve and show that he can compete and thrive in the Premier League.”

In a statement, the Blues wrote: “Omari Hutchinson has left Chelsea and completed a permanent transfer to Ipswich Town. The 20-year-old spent last season on loan with Town and helped the club secure promotion to the Premier League.

“He made 50 appearances in all competitions and ended the campaign with 11 goals and four assists. After previous spells in our Academy, Hutchinson returned to the Blues in the summer of 2022 from Arsenal.”