Chelsea have finalized the signing of Aston Villa midfielder Omari Kellyman in a deal valued at up to £19 million.
Kellyman’s transfer to Stamford Bridge occurs less than 24 hours after Aston Villa reached an agreement with Chelsea to acquire Ian Maatsen.
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The highly-rated attacking midfielder has signed a six-year contract with Chelsea, which includes an option for an additional year. He will join his new teammates during pre-season.
The 18-year-old made two Premier League appearances last season and has played for England at the youth level.
‘It is fantastic to be standing here as a Chelsea player,’ Kellyman said. ‘It’s a massive club with an amazing history, so it is great to join.
‘It is a dream come true for sure. I’m buzzing to have put on the shirt and can’t wait to get started.’
Kellyman becomes Chelsea’s third acquisition this summer, following the signings of English defender Tosin Adarabioyo and Brazilian winger Estevao Willian, who will remain at Palmeiras for another season before joining Chelsea next summer.
Maatsen’s transfer to Villa Park was finalized on Friday, with Chelsea agreeing to sell the Dutch defender for £35 million.
Despite only making 16 appearances for Chelsea, Maatsen impressed on loan at Borussia Dortmund last season, contributing to their run to the Champions League final.
Maatsen, Villa’s second signing of the summer after Everton striker Lewis Dobbin, is currently in Germany with the Dutch Euros squad.
Chelsea finished sixth in the Premier League last season after a strong finish under Mauricio Pochettino, who subsequently left and was replaced by former Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca.
Aston Villa, on the other hand, had a remarkable season under Unai Emery, finishing fourth and qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in their history.
