Arsenal plotting surprise move for forgotten Chelsea star as Arteta plans his Mudryk revenge

Arsenal are reportedly tracking Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi ahead of a summer transfer swoop.

The 22-year-old, who is currently on loan at Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, was moved on by the Blues on a temporary basis at the start of the season.

He has one goal and one assist in 17 appearances this season, but has been playing in the Champions League for Xabi Alonso's side.

He has not played more than 45 minutes in a competitive game since before the World Cup, and missed the weekend's 2-0 home defeat to Borussia Dortmund through injury.

Hudson-Odoi was rated as one of English football's top prospects when he emerged at Chelsea, and the Blues rejected multiple bids from Bayern Munich in 2019 and 2020, including a £70 million loan-to-buy offer. However, injuries and a lack of game time have stalled his progress.

But at 22, there is still plenty of time for him to reach his undoubted potential, and Arsenal are said to be keen on adding him to their squad.

Arsenal keen on Hudson-Odoi

According to The Guardian, Hudson-Odoi, who hasn't featured for the Blues since March after suffering an Achilles tendon injury last season, is 'unlikely' to return to Stamford Bridge when his loan deal at Leverkusen ends.

Football Ghana claimed last month that the winger would explore a permanent move to the German side in the summer, although there has been no further indication from club or player on whether that is the case.

But Arsenal are said to be tracking the England international with a view to making a move for him in the summer. The Gunners have assigned West Ham midfielder Declan Rice as their primary target, but Hudson-Odoi would likely provide an affordable option to improve Mikel Arteta's forward line, despite playing for Arsenal's London rivals.

That rivalry hasn't stopped deals between the two clubs in recent seasons, with Jorginho's move to the Emirates Stadium on deadline day the perfect example of this. However, Arsenal did miss out on signing Shakhtar Donetsk's Mykhailo Mudryk to the Blues in January.

Given Hudson-Odoi's age does fit the profile and direction that Chelsea's owners are taking the team in, a move for the winger may be more difficult to finalise, but it appears that Arsenal do have genuine interest in bringing him to north London.