Chelsea transfer confirmed as club announce deal for winger ahead of summer window

Wigan Athletic have signed Dion Rankine from Chelsea on a permanent deal.

The 21-year-old has joined Shaun Maloney's side on a three-year contract after a successful loan spell at Exeter City last term. The midfielder never played for Chelsea's first team but made 68 appearances for the Under-23s, scoring seven goals.

Rankine made 36 appearances in all competitions for Exeter in 2023/24. And now the Blues academy graduate will move to League One side Wigan ahead of the summer transfer window opening on Friday.

"I'm so excited to be here," he told Wigan's official website. "It's been in the works for a while, so I'm really excited to be here and get the deal done - I can't wait to get out there in front of the fans now.

"It's the right step for my career. I feel like I've got a really good opportunity to progress and develop, and I just want to play the best football that I can here."

Latics boss Maloney added: "He has all the attributes that we are looking for in a wide forward, as well as the determination to enjoy a successful season.

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"Dion can play on both sides and will bring speed and 1v1 ability to our attacking play, as well as having a brilliant mentality when we don’t have the ball.”

Chelsea have completed one signing so far this summer with centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo joining on a free transfer from Fulham. Enzo Maresca's side have also been linked with Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise and Manchester City star Julian Alvarez.