Hudson-Odoi ‘not reading the news’ says Sarri who praises Chelsea ace for focus amid Bayern Munich transfer speculation
Chelsea boss Sarri singled out in-demand Hudsoin-Odoi for impressive display in Carabao Cup defeat to Tottenham despite Bayern interest in January move
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MAURIZIO SARRI has praised Callum Hudson-Odoi for ignoring speculation over his future to continue producing the goods for Chelsea.
Hudson-Odoi has been targeted by Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich for a shock January transfer to Germany.
Bayern have tabled a £35million bid for the teenage winger which they believe has matches Chelsea's asking price.
But the 18-year-old ignored the off-field dealings to produce an impressive display in the Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Tottenham.
And that earned special praise from Chelsea boss Sarri, who says the England under-17 World Cup winner has maintained his focus despite the uncertainty over his future.
Sarri said: "Odoi in the last week has been very normal. I have seen him every day in training, he has been really very normal.
"He is improving, in the last match he played very well and also today I think a very good match.
"He played like a player of 25 or 26 years, I think – very good match of application, very good in the defensive phase, very, very good.
"He was completely normal in this period. I don't know, maybe he doesn't read anything."
SunSport understands Hudson-Odoi is determined to leave Chelsea, believing he will get better opportunities to develop as a player in Germany.
Chelsea transfer news
He joins a growing list of academy products who have been frustrated at the lack of first team opportunities they are given at Stamford Bridge.
And the prospect of seeing another promising young talent leave without establishing himself at Chelsea has left some supporters raging.
Hudson-Odoi's contract with the club runs out at the end of the season and he is showing little appetite to agree to a new deal.
The only way the club can convince him to stay appears to be with game time - and Sarri could make a statement by keeping faith with him for Saturday's clash with Newcastle.