Hamburg striker Jann-Fiete Arp has revealed he rejected a move to Chelsea this summer in order to remain at the Bundesliga club.
The 17 year old signed his first professional contract with the German side back in June after reported interest from the Blues. In an interview with Bild, Arp said he felt his young age and lack of experience of senior football would have meant a move to the the Premier League would have been a risk that was not worth taking:
“It would not have made any sense to go to Chelsea as a 17-year-old, you have hardly achieved anything yet, have practically no experience in professional football, the risk is simply too big.”
Arp has been a prolific goalscorer at Under 17 level for both Hamburg and Germany, but he has yet to make his senior debut. His contract extension keeps him at his current club until 2019. It may be the case that Chelsea will keep an eye on the development of the forward over the next couple of seasons, in view to making another attempt to sign the player when his contract is up for renewal once again.
