Chelsea youngster Charly Musonda was sent on loan to Real Betis in January in search of regular playing time, and the 19-year-old didn't take long to establish himself in the first team at the La Liga club. His impressive performances mean Real Betis are keen on extending his stay beyond summer, but face competition from other clubs.
The Belgian winger signed for Chelsea in 2012 from Anderlecht but has failed to make a single appearance for the senior team. However, his performances for Real Betis have caught the eye of several clubs, but the player is reportedly keen on extending his stay at the La Liga club.
Reports suggest Real Betis have already submitted an offer for Musonda, but Chelsea have asked them to wait for 3-4 weeks. The Blues could be waiting for other clubs to make an offer for Musonda, and it remains to be seen if the Belgian would be allowed to join Real Betis on a permanent basis.
Real Betis’ sporting director, Miguel Torrecilla, is still confident about their chances of signing Musonda, but confirmed to the Spanish media Chelsea and Antonio Conte are delaying any possible deal, and they could walk away at some point.
He told Diario de Sevilla: “Chelsea have hired a coach, who is also a national team coach and that makes things go a bit slower than we would like.
“We all want him to continue with us and we are waiting for Chelsea to take the decision. He is a fringe player, it’s not easy.
“The Betis has put the player in the window and it makes sense to have several suitors. However, we are optimistic, because the player himself has already told us that he’d like to continue with us. We are optimistic, although it is clear that everything has a limit.”
Serie A club AS Roma are also said to be interested in signing Charly Musonda, and there were reports that the youngster could be included in the deal for Radja Nainggolan, but there is no update on those claims.
Musonda made 16 league appearances for Real Betis this season, scoring one goal and registering two assists. Earlier, Chelsea scout Piet de Visser confirmed Musonda would be sent on loan again this season, as he is not ready to play for their senior team yet.
"We have decided to send him on loan again this season. Then he will be ready to play for Chelsea.
"Charly made an excellent choice [in moving to Betis in January]. When we loaned him there, we thought it could be to premature because he was young and with no experience in the top flight but he is an athletic guy who had no fear about anything," he told Belgian magazine Knack.
Chelsea, Real Betis, and the player would ideally want to sort out his future, before the start of the pre-season. A loan spell at Real Betis again this season makes sense, as the player already feels settled at club and it does seem to be a win-win situation for all parties involved.
