Chelsea chief Michael Emenalo has told Patrick van Aanholt he's in their long-term plans.
The Dutch fullback is currently on-loan at Vitesse Arnhem.
"We are trying to bridge the gap and at left-back now, behind Ashley Cole, we have Ryan Bertrand but we also have Patrick van Aanholt.
"By the time those older guys are 27, the younger ones will be around 22 and ready. The gap is not too big and that makes it easier to bring through young players."
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