Reece James role in Arsenal transfer revealed as Chelsea admission made

Omari Hutchinson has revealed how Reece James proved key in his move from Arsenal to Chelsea.

Hutchinson was released twice by the Blues as a youngster before joining Charlton Athletic in 2012. However, it did not take long for Hutchinson to attract another English heavyweight as Arsenal signed him aged 12.

Despite signing his first professional contract three years ago, the winger failed to make a senior appearance for the Gunners so re-joined Chelsea last summer. A lifelong dream was fulfilled when he made his professional debut in January’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City.

Mauricio Pochettino loaned him out to Ipswich Town in July and the move is working out, with the Tractor Boys enjoying a Premier League promotion push. Town have a seven-point cushion over Leeds United in third place and have their eyes on the top flight for the first time since 2002.

Should promotion be secured, Hutchinson would have a decision to make whether to stay at Ipswich or fight for his Chelsea place. Speaking to The Athletic, the winger revealed how Blues skipper James was pivotal in luring him to West London.

“I was at Arsenal from 11 to playing for the under-23s,” Hutchinson told The Athletic. “I have a lot of friends there and obviously the coaching staff, so it was a difficult decision to leave.

Christopher Nkunku has major task to fulfil £52m Premier League prediction after Chelsea gamble

Mauricio Pochettino has already set Chelsea transfer deadline ahead of January dilemma

“I always felt loved there. All the fans were waiting for me to push into the first team. But things didn’t just work out for one reason or another. I just had to get over stuff like that.

“I spoke to the people at Chelsea, saw the pathway they had for me, knew the