The 18-year-old has started every Premier League 2 game for our Under-21s this season, scoring four goals and setting up a further five. Castledine has also trained with Mauricio Pochettino’s senior squad and was on the bench for our 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Blackburn Rovers.

Jim Fraser, Head of youth development and recruitment, said: ‘We are delighted Leo has committed his future to the club and look forward to seeing him continue his development here.

‘He has been an ever-present at Under-21 level this season, so we hope to see him keep progressing at Chelsea in the years ahead.’

Primarily an attacking midfield player, the England Under-19 international has been with the Blues since Under-15 level, when he joined from AFC Wimbledon.

Castledine made his first appearances for our Under-18s while a schoolboy in 2020/21, before captaining the side in a number of games and hitting double figures for goals the following season.

He progressed to the Under-21s in 2022/23 and has featured regularly for Mark Robinson’s side.