Chelsea transfer news: Belgian talent Charly Musonda rejoins Real Betis on loan

Chelsea starlet Charly Musonda will spend the 2016-17 on loan at Real Betis, his parent club have confirmed. Musonda, 19, joined the La Liga side on loan for the second half of the 2015-16 season. He made an instant impact, playing a pivotal role in the club's successful battle to avoid relegation in his 15 appearances.

Betis have been eager to secure his services again for next season, following the appointment of former Blues player Gus Poyet as manager.

The Belgium Under-21 international was delighted to seal a return to the Estadio Benito Villamarin, telling the club's official website: "The new project is very interesting. The mission of this club is very big for next year. I am happy to be part of this project.

"I want to continue to mature, have continuity and learn a lot. I have to continue like this year and enjoy the opportunity to play at this club."

Musonda's remains one of Chelsea's most highly-regarded young talents, having turned down Barcelona to sign for the Premier League side in 2012, as revealed in an interview with AS.

The teenager visited the prestigious La Masia and even met then manager Pep Guardiola, but opted to pass on his dream to move to West London instead as Chelsea also agreed to sign his older brothers Tika and Lamisha.

The attacking midfielder has played an important role in Chelsea's dominance of youth football in both England and Europe over the past two years. But while he has trained with the first team, the midfielder is still to make a senior appearance for the club.

Chelsea had a total of 28 players out on loan last season, including Musonda. Brazilian midfielder Nathan has already renewed his loan spell at Vitesse Arnhem for another season, with plenty more expected to leave again in the coming months.