Bayern Munich Adopt New Strategy to Lure Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi

Bayern Munich are hoping to persuade Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi to join the club by giving him Arjen Robben’s shirt number, according to The Sun.

The Bavarian giants have made Hudson-Odoi their top transfer target this month and have already had two offers rejected by the Blues.

However, they hope to force through a deal by offering the youngster Robben’s No.10 shirt, with the veteran Dutch winger due to leave the club at the end of the season.

Hudson-Odoi has resisted a new contract at Stamford Bridge and is the subject of a £30million offer from Bayern.

With reasoning based on the rise of Jadon Sancho at Borussia Dortmund, former footballers in broadcast studios seem certain the 18-year-old Hudson-Odoi would have more opportunities to develop in Germany.

‘If I’m Hudson-Odoi, go and pursue your career at Bayern Munich,’ Jermaine Jenas told the BBC in a week when Chelsea completed a £58million deal with Dortmund to sign Christian Pulisic. Pulisic is two years older and operates in the same position as Hudson-Odoi.

‘Why wouldn’t he leave?’ Kevin Kilbane chipped in. ‘He is one of the best young players in world football and he’s not been getting any game time.’

Chelsea are haunted by their reputation, although Maurizio Sarri’s team was studded with youngsters as the FA Cup holders launched their defence with this win over Nottingham Forest.

Cesc Fabregas bid an emotional farewell ahead of an expected transfer to Monaco, but it was Hudson-Odoi, one of England’s Under 17 World Cup winners, who caught the eye as he created both goals for Alvaro Morata.

‘He’s a magical player,’ said Ross Barkley. ‘I hope he stays. You can see how much talent he’s got.’

Hudson-Odoi might have scored, too, forcing two saves from Luke Steele in the second half after jinking dribbles into the Forest penalty area.

‘As we say, a 360 performance,’ Chelsea assistant coach Carlo Cudicini said. ‘He did very well, with two assists, and he worked very hard defensively. Even when we had a few problems in midfield with Ampadu, he was running for two, his commitment was great.