Chelsea have reportedly entered contract talks with defender Fikayo Tomori after David Luiz's shock move to Arsenal scuppered the defender's proposed loan move to Everton.
It was confirmed on Thursday night that Luiz, despite recently penning a new deal at Stamford Bridge, had joined Arsenal for a fee of £8m on a two-year contract.
The Blues had already planned to give Tomori, who enjoyed an impressive loan spell with Derby County last season, an extension on his current contract, which expires in 2021, ahead of loaning him out to Goodison Park.
However, according to the Evening Standard, Luiz's surprise move to the Emirates has increased the onus on tying Tomori down for the long term.
Frank Lampard has placed a strong emphasis on promoting the club's young talent this season due to their transfer ban, which is in effect until next summer.
Right-back Reece James, another youngster who impressed on loan in the Championship last year, has also been earmarked as a player ready for first-team action, with Lampard planning to use him to understudy captain Cesar Azpilicueta.
Leo Nieboer
