Andy Townsend says he was ‘really impressed’ with ‘excellent’ Chelsea youngster who’s about to leave the club

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Former Chelsea midfielder Andy Townsend has been speaking about one youngster his old side are about to loan out.

Things are really starting to heat up in the transfer market at Chelsea, with incomings and departures expected.

For example, a new striker could be heading to Stamford Bridge after Chelsea’s latest push for Samu Omorodion.

There are also going to be exits as Conor Gallagher closes in on a switch to Omorodion’s current club Atletico Madrid.

Loans also look possible as Chelsea try to help some of their young players get more game time.

• READ MORE: ‘Has made that clear’… ‘Excellent’ Chelsea youngster has insisted he wants to make it at Stamford Bridge

Andy Townsend impressed with Alfie Gilchrist

One Chelsea youngster who is set to depart Stamford Bridge temporarily is defender Alfie Gilchrist.

Gilchrist is expected to join Sheffield United today, and Townsend has praised the 20-year-old ahead of his loan move to Bramall Lane.

Speaking on talkSPORT (06/08/02024 at 07:41) about Gilchrist, he said: “A young player there that was starting to make ground last season. I was really impressed with him when I watched him. I thought he was excellent.”

Gilchrist made 17 first-team appearances for Chelsea last season, scoring one goal, which came in a 6-0 win against Everton.

Sheffield United could be a good loan move for Alfie Gilchrist

Right now, Chelsea have so many options in central defence, including new signing Tosin Adarabioyo.

It is one reason why Trevoh Chalobah was omitted from the team’s trip to the United States. Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony has since defended Chelsea’s decision to sell Chalobah this summer.

With Enzo Maresca being spoilt for choice at the back, joining Sheffield United could be good for Gilchrist.

After playing in the Premier League for a big club like Chelsea last season, perhaps the Blues should be sending him to another side in the English top flight.

The Englishman is still only 20, though. The most important thing for him at this stage of his career is to play, and that should happen at Bramall Lane.

As for Chelsea, they will be relying on the likes of Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana to keep them clean sheets in the new Premier League campaign.