Star, 25, confirms he's signed for Chelsea 18 months after Arsenal departure

Goalkeeper James Hillson left Arsenal in the summer of 2024 when he joined National League side Southend United on a free transfer

English goalkeeper James Hillson has signed for Chelsea - though it appears he's been on the Blues' books since last summer despite no transfer announcement.

The 25-year-old, who also holds a UEFA B Coaching Licence as per his LinkedIn profile, spent around six years with the Gunners prior to his release.

Last season, he featured four times for National League South outfit Salisbury but now appears to have returned to the professional game having previously been registered in Arsenal's Premier League squad during the 2023-24 campaign.

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Hillson has been pictured in Chelsea training alongside the likes of Robert Sanchez even though he does not seem to be part of first-team plans.

Instead, his role is believed to be centred around supporting Chelsea's goalkeeper set-up on the training pitch.

He wrote on LinkedIn three weeks ago: "Grateful to have signed with Chelsea FC and spent the season so far at this great club.

"After a tough last season, it’s been a real blessing to learn in such an environment, surrounded by high standards and good people. Looking forward to continuing to work hard and grafting until the end of the season."

Chelsea are definitely well-stocked in the goalkeeping department. Sanchez remains their No.1 and he's also supported by Filip Jorgensen, Gaga Slonina and Teddy Sharman-Lowe.

The Club World Cup winners also have Mike Penders and youngster Ted Curd out on loan at Strasbourg and Boreham Wood, respectively.

Hillson started out at Reading's academy before moving to Arsenal U18s on loan from The Royals.

He then joined up with Arsenal's U23s before being integrated into the club's first-team environment, even though he never featured at senior level for the Gunners.

The Englishman also made the Gunners' Champions League squad during the 2023/24 season.

The crux of his experience has come at U18 Premier League level, though he appears to be at ease with simply driving standards in training as opposed to playing regular football.

Hillson says on his LinkedIn page: "I’ve made 23+ competitive match appearances gaining valuable game experience alongside my training responsibilities. I pride myself on being dependable, hard-working, and positive within a goalkeeping unit, always ready to support the team, push standards in training, and continue learning.

"My focus is simple, keep developing, keep improving, and be ready to contribute whenever called upon at the highest level."

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