Chelsea youngster Xavier Mbuyamba ‘wanted by Hellas Verona on a short-term loan transfer’ after being branded the ‘next Van Dijk’

According to reports, CHELSEA youngster Xavier Mbuyamba is being targeted by Hellas Verona on loan.

Mbuyamba, 20, signed for the Blues from Barcelona in 2020 but has yet to make his club debut.

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And now he can leave to gain experience at the senior level.

Hellas Verona coach Igor Tudor is very interested in Mbuyamba and the Serie A side want to sign the youngster on a short-term loan, Gazzetta dello Sport reports.

But it is not clear whether Chelsea will be ready to let the Dutch defender go.

Mbuyamba is highly regarded at Stamford Bridge and has spent time training with the first team this season.

He even earned compare with compatriot Virgi van Dijk – his 6ft5in frame is one of the reasons for that.

As such, Chelsea may be willing to keep a close eye on his progress by continuing to develop him in the under-23 squad.

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Thomas Tuchel gave some opportunity for young midfielder Trevoh Chalobah this season and Mbuyamba will aim to follow in his footsteps.

And with the three Blues defenders entering the final six months of their contracts, the opportunity for Mbuyamba will soon present itself.

Glen Johnson has urges Chelsea to finalize contract extensions for Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen but the latter has emerged as a top transfer target for Borussia Dortmund.

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