Ethan Ampadu signs new Chelsea contract

Chelsea have rewarded teenage midfielder Ethan Ampadu with a new five-year contract following his impressive development since linking up with the club.

The 18-year-old joined the Blues from Exeter City in the summer of 2017 and followed to make seven first-team appearances during the previous campaign.

He has yet to make an appearance for the Blues this term but they have been encouraged by his progress for club and country to reward him with a contract extension.

"I'm really proud and happy. I'm looking forward to the next five years and all I have got to do now is continue to work hard, and hopefully good things will happen," Ampadu told the club's official website.

Ampadu has been ignored by Maurizio Sarri for first-team action during the opening phase of the current campaign but he could feature in some capacity when the Blues face PAOK Salonika on the road in their Europa League opener on Thursday night.