Maurizio Sarri has urged Callum Hudson-Odoi to remain at Chelsea amid reported interest from Bayern Munich. The young winger has been heavily linked with a move to Bavaria, but his manager believes he would be better off remaining in west London.
What's the word?
Hudson-Odoi has long been mooted as a potential Bayern target, with the German giants reportedly extremely keen on landing the 18-year-old.
Sky Sports News claimed earlier this month that a bid worth £20million had been rejected by the Blues, while there have been subsequent reports of Bayern upping their offer to £30million.
The winger has played four Europa League games this season, scoring in the 4-0 win over PAOK, and has also featured in the Premier League and the FA Cup this season.
And Sarri believes his future is with the Blues, telling reporters: "To stay here is better for him.
"He is very young but he is improving, especially in the defensive phase. I don't know the situation with the club but for me he is an important player."
He also added that he felt Hudson-Odoi has a "very great future here with the national team and with Chelsea".
Will he gamble?
Perhaps the transfer revolves around whether the teenager believes he has enough ability to make a breakthrough in Germany.
Jadon Sancho has already blazed a trail by leaving Manchester City to join Borussia Dortmund, and he has since lit up the Bundesliga.
And Brahim Diaz has only recently completed a move to Real Madrid from Manchester City, backing himself to make a significant impact in Spain.
Hudson-Odoi must make a similar decision.
Sarri's words suggest that he could give the teenager a chance in the first-team, perhaps starting with the Carabao Cup semi-final clash with London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, but will that be enough?
If Hudson-Odoi believes he can crack the Bayern first-team, it may already be too late.
Check out the video below for Emma Conybeare's rundown of which clubs need what in the January transfer window...