Chelsea swoop for Swiss starlet Elmer

CHELSEA are set to clinch the signature of rising Swiss star Jonas Elmer from Grasshopper Zurich.

The 17-year-old left-sided player underwent a medical at Stamford Bridge yesterday before agreeing personal terms.

Elmer, who will join the Blues on a three-year deal, is a highly-rated Switzerland U17 international and was spotted by Chelsea scout Gwyn Williams during a scouting trip to watch a Spanish player.

He will join the Londoners as part of the reserve team set-up and continue his education while with Chelsea.

Although the Premiership champions have the funds of owner Roman Abramovich at their disposal, manager Jose Mourinho has told the club he also wants to bring the world’s best young talent to Stamford Bridge and Elmer represents the first move in this direction.

That policy will be strengthened further when Chelsea agree a compensation package for Tottenham’s suspended sporting director Frank Arnesen.