Sources: Chelsea open talks over extension to deter Arsenal interest
Chelsea have opened talks with Sol Gordon about a new long-term deal to rebuff interest from rivals, sources have told Football Insider.
Discussions have been held with the 18-year-old's representatives at New Era Global Sports about the opportunity to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge for the foreseeable future.
Chelsea are now accelerating plans as they aim to deter potential suitors including Arsenal, Leeds United, PSV Eindhoven, Bournemouth and Everton.
The exciting winger finished the last campaign in excellent form, setting scouts from rival clubs on alert as they could look to lure him away.
However, the Blues are keen to reward him for his fine form and hope to convince him to commit his long-term future to Stamford Bridge as one of their brightest prospects.
Gordon's current contract at Chelsea is set to run until 2027, and penned his first professional deal in November 2024, after having joined the club at Under-8s level.
Why are Chelsea determined to keep Sol Gordon?
Gordon has been highlighted as one of the top young players coming through the academy at Stamford Bridge after what was a strong season last time out.
The winger scored in the Under-18 Premier League National Final as he helped his side to lift the trophy following a 5-1 win against Man City as their third-highest appearance maker.
His form for the Under-18s side has set first-team coaches on alert, and they are keen to continue his positive development, with a renewed contract set to show their commitment.
Interest has grown from rivals both in the Premier League and abroad, with Arsenal the most high-profile of those after they saw Kyran Thompson poached by Newcastle.
However, Chelsea are determined not to suffer the same fate as their rivals and have held positive talks with the player to commit his future despite interest from elsewhere.
Which other Chelsea youngsters are being handed new deals?
Gordon is not the only talented youngster who Chelsea have been in talks with over an extended contract this summer, despite rivals keeping a close eye on their academy.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 6 July that Chelsea were in advanced talks with Jesse Derry to extend his stay despite long-term interest from Bayern Munich.
The winger later put pen to paper on the new deal, and is has now made a loan move to Poruguese giants Sporting Lisbon as they aim to further his development.
Derry was poached from Crystal Palace in 2025 and has quickly risen through the ranks at Stamford Bridge, as he made his senior debut in the FA Cup in February.
He also started for Chelsea in the Premier League against Nottingham Forest, and the club have high hopes for his development away on loan.