Jamie
Redknapp thinks Chelsea could make a "real statement" by selling Willian and
putting their faith in Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Paris Saint-Germain are planning to make a late Deadline Day bid for
Willian, but Chelsea remain adamant the 30-year-old is not for sale.
Hudson-Odoi has struggled for first-team opportunities at Chelsea and Bayern
Munich have tried to sign the 18-year-old, who has seen a transfer request
rejected.
Hudson-Odoi was not even in the squad for Chelsea's 4-0 loss at Bournemouth
on Wednesday, but Redknapp has suggested he should be given a chance.
"I am a big fan of Willian, but I get the feeling that Chelsea want to
promote youth, which they have not done recently. They have a player in
Hudson-Odoi who I think can go to the top," he said on Sky Sports News.
"It would be a real statement to him if they sold Willian and said 'we have
a direct replacement, he's 18, and he can have a run in the team and play
now'.
"Hudson-Odoi probably feels there isn't a pathway to the first team but if
they sold Willian it would be a statement and would give him a chance.
"It is potentially a lot of money for Willian though and it's hard to find
players of that quality, especially if Eden Hazard was to leave in the
summer."
Hudson-Odoi is out of contract in June 2020 and Chelsea head coach Maurizio
Sarri has said he is the "future of our club. He will be the future of
English football".
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