Chelsea transfers: Maurizio Sarri takes Bayern Munich to task over 'unprofessional' Callum Hudson-Odoi pursuit

Bayern's sporting director riled Chelsea by speaking publically about their interest in the teenager

Matt McGeehan
Friday 11 January 2019 11:42 EST
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Callum Hudson-Odoi is nearing a Chelsea exit after Bayern Munich made a third offer for the youngster
Callum Hudson-Odoi is nearing a Chelsea exit after Bayern Munich made a third offer for the youngster (Getty)

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Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri has rebuked Bayern Munich for their public pursuit of Callum Hudson-Odoi.

The 18-year-old winger, whose contract expires in June 2020, has been linked with a big money move to the Bundesliga giants.

Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic admitted the club's interest in Hudson-Odoi on Wednesday, much to Chelsea's annoyance, with the Blues threatening to report the Germans to FIFA if there is any evidence of an illegal approach.

Sarri said: "I think that it's not professional, because they are talking about a player under contract with Chelsea. They didn't respect our club."

Chelsea play Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday with their transfer business - both incomings an outgoings - making plenty of news.

Sarri, who celebrated his 60th birthday on Thursday, is not a fan of the winter transfer window.

Callum Hudson-Odoi has turned down contract offers from Chelsea
Callum Hudson-Odoi has turned down contract offers from Chelsea (Getty)

"It's crazy to have a market window of 30 days at this moment of the season," he said.

"We play every three days, so we need something else. The market window in January would be better for one week, 10 days. No more."

The Italian said he has recommended Chelsea need to recruit two players, but declined to say their positions.

He said: "I spoke with the club and the club knows very well my opinion. In my opinion we need two players.

"Then it depends on the club decision. I don't know anything about the market day by day or minute by minute."

It appears obvious, though, that the players Sarri wants are a striker and a midfielder.

Sarri is demanding a replacement if Cesc Fabregas' move to Monaco materialises and, now, also if Alvaro Morata is allowed to leave this month. Sevilla and Atletico Madrid have been linked with the Spain striker.

Sarri said: "Of course, if Morata will go to another club we need a replacement. It's normal.

"At the moment Morata is here, so I think he has to think only to play.

"Because in this moment in Europe there are 300 players involved in the market and they need to think only to the next match otherwise it's impossible to play."

Sarri declined to comment on persistent links with his former Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain, who is on loan at AC Milan from Juventus.

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