6 most popular Chelsea academy rejects playing for other Premier League clubs

Chelsea's academy at Cobham is one of the best and most famous in the world, churning out large amounts of talent every year, but few have made it at the club.

Frank Lampard gave debuts to eight of them during the 2019/20 season, seven of them were in the 2021 UEFA Champions League winning squad but by the end of the current window, only Reece James is sure to remain at the club.

Sports Brief looks at six of them who did not make it at Stamford Bridge currently playing for other Premier League clubs including Declan Rice who just moved to Arsenal.

1. Declan Rice

Arsenal's newest star was at Cobham for eight years and was best friends with Mason Mount before he was released at 14. He joined West Ham and came through the ranks, captaining the club to a UEFA Europa Conference League triumph before sealing a British record transfer to Arsenal, as confirmed by West Ham's official statement.

2. Eddie Nketiah

Nketiah was released on the same day as Rice and headed to Arsenal. He impressed in the youth ranks and on loan at Leeds United. According to Squawka, he became a member of the first team in 2019 and was in the squad when Arsenal beat Chelsea to the FA Cup trophy in 2020.

3. Dominic Solanke

A dominant striker during his youth days, he made only one senior appearance before heading to Liverpool. The Reds sold him to Bournemouth in 2019 and has remained there ever since, helping the club maintain their Premier League status last season.

4. Tariq Lamptey

A game-changing debut against Arsenal in December 2019 was enough to convince the Blues fans of his potential but moved to Brighton a month later. Fans thought it was because of Reece James who appeared to have locked down the right-back position for years to come.

5. Rhian Brewster

Brewster left Chelsea to join Liverpool as a teenager. He failed to make an impact at Anfield despite picking up a winners medal in the 2019 UEFA Champions League run. He was sold to Sheffield United and will play Premier League football next season after the South Yorkshire club gained promotion.

6. Marc Guehi

The calm defender made only two appearances for the senior team in the Carabao Cup before moving to Crystal Palace, where he is a key member and has captained the team on a few occasions. One of those whom fans felt was unfairly sold despite his brilliance in his limited appearances.