Chelsea quietly complete ‘significant’ transfer for League One wonderkid after he rejected new contract

CHELSEA have cherrypicked Harrison Bettoni from Wigan after agreeing a four year contract with the League One side. Bettoni, 18, will spend the season in Chelsea‘s academy on the fringes of Xabi Alonso‘s first team. Harrison Bettoni is set for a move to Chelsea from Wigan Credit: Getty Bettoni made 27 senior appearances for Wigan last season Credit: Getty The Latics will be owed training compensation for their starlet, who made 27 senior appearances last season. Wigan reported that Bettoni was offered multiple long-term contracts to remain at the Brick Community Stadium. Sign up for the Chelsea newsletter Thank you! But he was ultimately lured towards the Premier League. Born in Stockport, the forward scored four goals, including his first against Wimbledon to secure Wigan’s goal of the season. The Wigan academy product came off the bench to score a free-kick equaliser with his first touch. He then netted a late winner with three minutes remaining, securing Wigan’s first away victory of the campaign. Bettoni then scored the only goal of the game as Wigan defeated Preston North End in the FA Cup third round. The youngster also popped up in Arsenal‘s 4-0 victory over the Greater Manchester club in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Most read in Sport BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS The wonderkid was offered multiple deals to stay at Wigan but refused Credit: Getty Managing Director Sarah Guilfoyle said: “As a Club, we made every possible effort to retain Harrison. “We offered Harrison multiple strong and competitive long-term offers to remain at Wigan Athletic. “We are disappointed not to see him continue his journey with us, we respect his decision. “We’ve worked closely with Chelsea to agree a compensation package that reflects the time, care, and investment our Academy has put into Harrison’s development from a young age.” Comment now