Charlton Athletic, alongside Oxford United and others, are interested in signing Mason Burstow on loan from Chelsea this month, according to The Chelsea Spot.

Burstow broke through at The Valley last season before making the move to West London on transfer deadline day in January, the 19-year-old had spent time on trial with the Blues before joining the Addicks after spells with Welling United and Maidstone United.

Burstow chipped in with six goals and three assists in 23 senior appearances, as an 18-year-old at the time, for Charlton in 2021/22 under Johnnie Jackson.

The Addicks' style of play has changed a lot since Jackson's summer departure, and that could work in favour of Burstow should a loan move materialise.

Is it a good potential move?

This may depend on Jayden Stockley's movements in this transfer window.

With the addition of Macauley Bonne to Miles Leaburn, Stockley, Daniel Kanu and Chuks Aneke (injured) making up the striker contingent at The Valley, another forward probably is not necessary.

However, if Stockley departs, as could be on the cards, then the Addicks will be a little light due to Aneke's re-occurring injury problems.

Dean Holden would probably still favour Leaburn and Bonne over Burstow, with Kanu also impressing his new manager since the 43-year-old came in, but Burstow could add a decent option to the fringes.

Would he start?

Unless one of Leaburn or Bonne were unavailable, regular starts would be unlikely.

Instead, Burstow would probably rely on starts when the club play Saturday-Tuesday, and therefore the pressure on him to perform without regular opportunities would increase.

If the aim of the loan is for the 19-year-old to earn regular senior starts, Chelsea should not be sending him to Charlton.

 

 

What does he offer?

Burstow has a varied skillset that should make him an attractive proposition for loads of clubs in League One and Two this month.

The 19-year-old is good in the air and can hold his own physically, with impressive close control and an ability to run in behind.

Burstow has come up with eight goal contributions in 13 Premier League 2 outings this season, but at 19, you cannot rule out a position change away from a number nine role.

The Londoner could operate anywhere across a front three, and does have a good defensive work rate for a forward player.

Another local move could be reuniting with Johnnie Jackson at AFC Wimbledon, who will be looking to dip into the market following the likely departure of Ayoub Assal.