The club's previous record in bringing in young players is mixed – but does include some future superstars
Chelsea have not had it all their own way in the transfer market this summer, as their failed pursuits of Jules Kounde and Raphinha demonstrate.
However, the Blues can finally chalk up one in the win column after they beat Milan and Barcelona to the signing of Aston Villa prospect Carney Chukwuemeka.
Rangy midfielder Chukwuemeka comes with glowing reviews and finished 37th in GOAL's 2022 ranking of the best wonderkids in the world.
Confirmation of that agreement was soon followed by another young arrival – Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina.
Chelsea have a history of chancing their arm on precocious young talent, with mixed results.
GOAL has taken a look back through the history book to remember some of the other fresh-faced teenagers who arrived Stamford Bridge before their 20th birthday.
GettyGlen Johnson (West Ham) £6m
First up on the list is former England international Johnson, who moved across London to Chelsea from West Ham for £6m in July 2003.
The 18-year-old was the first confirmed signing of Roman Abramovich's ownership and he made 71 appearances for the Blues over the next four years, picking up a Premier League winners' medal along the way.
Johnson left Chelsea to join Portsmouth in 2007 in search of more regular minutes, and went on to play for Liverpool before retiring in 2019.
AdvertisementGettyJon Obi Mikel (Lyn Oslo) – £18m
Jon Obi Mikel joined Chelsea from Norwegian outfit Lyn Oslo in the summer of 2006 after a controversial year-long legal battle that saw him perform a U-turn after initially being presented as a Manchester United player.
The fresh-faced 19-year-old quickly became a key player for the Blues under Jose Mourinho and went on to win two Premier League titles and the Champions League with the club, before eventually departing in 2017.
GettyDaniel Sturridge (Manchester City) Free transfer
Chelsea snapped Daniel Sturridge up on a free transfer on July 3, 2009 – three days after the expiration of his contract at City, where he had spent the first three years of his career.
Sturridge scored a respectable 24 goals in 96 games for the Blues despite rarely getting much of a run in the starting XI, and became a Premier League and Champions League winner before being shipped off to Liverpool for £12m in 2013.
GettyThibaut Courtois (Genk) £7m
Chelsea paid just £7m to sign 19-year-old Courtois from Belgian outfit Genk in July 2011, and immediately sent him out on loan to Atletico Madrid.
Courtois established himself among the goalkeeping elite during his two-year stay in Madrid, winning a Liga title and playing in a Champions League final before returning to England ahead of the 2014-15 season.
The shot-stopper then nailed down the No.1 spot in Chelsea's starting XI and helped them win two Premier League titles along with the FA Cup and League Cup, but ended up forcing through a move to Real Madrid in 2018.