The first signing of Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea era is upon us, and it comes in the form of an English teenager who caught the eye playing in League One last season.
Before Alonso had been confirmed as Chelsea’s next manager, the Blues had already confirmed deals for Emmanuel Emegha, Brazilian left-back Denner, Dastan Satpaev and Geovany Quenda from Sporting.
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Valentin Barco scored for Argentina in the early hours of the morning, and the flame-haired midfielder is also set to move to Stamford Bridge this summer. Since Alonso arrived, there have been no new signings.
However, that could be about to change. Chelsea are expected to bring in some experience this summer, but that has not stopped BlueCo from scouring the world for young talent. Harrison Bettoni is set to join.
Chelsea win race to sign Wigan teenager Harrison Bettoni
Bettoni, 18, has caught the eye in Wigan’s side over the last 12 months after breaking into the Latics’ first team. Standing at 6ft 3in, Bettoni is an old-school midfielder who can do both sides of the game.
He clocked up 27 appearances for League One side Wigan during 2025-26, scoring four goals having come through the academy. That form caught the eye of some of Europe’s biggest sides, like Chelsea.
According to transfer expert Pete O’Rourke, Chelsea have ‘won the race’ to land the midfielder ahead of other clubs. A compensation fee will be due to Wigan, with Bettoni’s contract expiring later this month.
O’Rourke posted on X: “Understand Chelsea have won the race for Wigan youngster Harrison Bettoni. The attacking midfielder is available as a free agent with Wigan due training compensation from Chelsea.”
Chelsea have beaten Man City and AC Milan to land Bettoni
Chelsea were not the only side interested in luring Bettoni to the promised land from Wigan this summer. Indeed, plenty of Europe’s big hitters were interested, with Man City and AC Milan among his admirers.
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O’Rourke, who broke the news that Chelsea had won the race to land Bettoni’s signature, has previously reported that Milan and Man City were among the clubs interested, with his Wigan contract ending.
He said last week: “Understand Man City, Chelsea and AC Milan are in talks to sign Wigan youngster Harrison Bettoni. The attacking midfielder is available as a free agent with Wigan due compensation.”
The issue Chelsea now have is providing Bettoni with a path into the senior side. There is a chance that he goes on loan this summer, and it would be no surprise to see Bettoni return to Wigan for a season.
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