Ola Aina has ended months of speculation surrounding his future by signing a new four-year contract at Chelsea, the club have confirmed.
The 19-year-old, yet to make a senior appearance but regarded as one of the most-talented defenders in Chelsea's academy, was set to become a free agent this summer and had been heavily linked with a move to Scottish champions Celtic.
Arsenal had also been credited with harbouring an interest in Aina, but Chelsea have announced that the 19-year-old has committed to Stamford Bridge until June 2020.
"Signing a new deal is always a blessing, especially at a big club like this," Aina told ChelseaTV after signing. "I am happy and I need to hit the ground running again.
"As a player, I think I have got better and better because of the level of coaching in the academy and with the first team and as a person, the whole environment has helped me mature well.
"The club is close to my heart, they have helped me a lot and I am really thankful for that. It is a good moment for me."
Aina will join the rest of the Chelsea first-team squad for their preseason, which includes a week-long training camp in Austria and a trip to the U.S. to participate in the International Champions Cup, as he bids to impress new head coach Antonio Conte.
"I like the feeling of getting properly fit and ready for the season," he added. "I like working hard and pushing myself and getting new kit, and seeing the boys again after holidays is a good feeling.
"Over the next four years I want to become a much better and established player. I want to be able to play men's football at a high level and hopefully break into Chelsea's first team because that is the ultimate goal."
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