Chelsea 'trigger contract extension for attacker'

Chelsea have reportedly moved to extend the contract of one of their highly-rated young attackers.

The Blues are currently progressing well in their efforts to secure the services of Leicester City head coach Enzo Maresca on a long-term contract.

However, the club's recruitment team are going through the process of assessing what they wish to do with the array of talent that they have at their disposal.

With the restrictions that come with FIFA's loan regulations, Chelsea are only able to facilitate six such loans to foreign clubs, forcing their hand in numerous situations.

Furthermore, decisions must be made over options when it comes to contract extensions, whether that is protecting a player's value or looking to keep them at Stamford Bridge.

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Chelsea trigger option in Hutchinson contract

That has been the case with Omari Hutchinson who has recently completed a season-long loan period with Ipswich Town, who have earned promotion to the Premier League.

According to BBC Sport, Chelsea have taken up their option to extend the contract of the 20-year-old by an extra 12 months.

Hutchinson was able to contribute 10 goals and five assists, despite just 20 of his 44 appearances in the Championship coming from the Tractor Boys' starting lineup.

Chelsea were initially in a position where Hutchinson was heading into the final year of his deal with an increasing amount of interest in his signature.

Nevertheless, they have now brought more leeway to reach a decision over what to do with the Jamaica international for the 2024-25 campaign.

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Clubs from England, abroad monitoring situation

While it is not beyond the realms of possibility that Hutchinson could stay in West London, theoretically with the backing of Maresca, he is not short of admirers.

Ipswich are interested in a reunion, either on a permanent or temporary basis. In the short term, Chelsea may jump at the chance of a permanent exit with a buy-back clause to help ease their issues with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Stuttgart, who have earned Champions League qualification, are also said to be keen on Hutchinson, it down to Chelsea whether they would want to use one of their foreign loan slots or cash in.

Feyenoord and Ajax have previously been linked with a loan approach of their own, with it plausible that more clubs could express an interest.