Chelsea closing in on talent spotter who played a key role in Ariibo's move to Southampton

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is taking important steps to build one of the strongest teams in European football. 

After bringing in Graham Potter from Brighton & Hove last month, the American billionaire is close to reaching an agreement with highly-rated talent spotter Joe Shields. 

According to transfer market guru Fabrizio Romano, The Blues are closing in on the agreement with Southampton to appoint Joe Shields as new Director of Recruitment. 

Shields is regarded as an expert in recruiting young talents and previously worked with Manchester City, Fulham and Crystal Palace before he was appointed Head of Senior Recruitment at Southampton in July 2022.

It should be noted that Shields played a key role in Joe Aribo's move to Southampton, convincing the Super Eagles star to join the Saints over their Premier League rivals including Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace. 

The former Glasgow Rangers midfielder has proved to be a bargain signing after joining Southampton for a guaranteed fee of six million pounds, having played all the matches contested by the club this season, scoring two goals against Leeds United and Everton. 

Shields also had a big say in the deals that took another London-born Nigerian player, Samuel Edozie to Manchester City and Southampton. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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