Chelsea wonderkid dubbed 'next John Terry' signs new deal ahead of January transfer decision

Chelsea defender Alfie Gilchrist has signed a new deal that will see him stay at the club until the end of the 2024/25 season, football.london understands. The 20-year-old was on the bench as the Blues drew with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium at the weekend.

Gilchrist has captained Chelsea's development squad over the course of 2023 but has regularly featured in first team training and also was part of the west London side's matchday squads at the end of last term. The youngster also travelled to the United States as part of Mauricio Pochettino's pre-season touring squad and impressed in his outings across the pond.

The central defender drew interest from the likes of Sheffield United this summer but has signed a new deal having made the decision ahead of the season to remain at Stamford Bridge at least until January when a potential loan move could be looked at.

Earlier this month, the Chelsea supporter praised the approach of his head coach. He said: «Mauricio and his coaching staff have been great with me. Obviously I went to America with the first team and then I've been in and out of training with the first team. Yesterday when he saw me, starts rubbing my head or something like that, little fist bumps and good morning, they're all so friendly. Every morning they come down, even in the gym, say hello. It's a real friendly, family atmosphere.»

The youngster, who first joined a senior training session two years ago, has not even shirked from responsibility within first team training, being sure to pass on the standards he has learned to young teammates also making the step up.

His style of play and leadership qualities have see Gilchrist compared to Chelsea legend John Terry. Given the latter's previous roles with