Chelsea youngster joins on loan.
U's manager Joe Dunne has bolstered his squad going into the next stage of the league season with the addition of Chelsea youngster Archange Nkumu.
The teenager, who can either play across the defensive line or as a defensive midfielder, will get the chance to be part of the U's U21s group as the Colchester boss looks to add further competition into the ranks at that level.
Joe told the official website: "It's a youth loan and, as well as being around our first team during the week, he will add to the quality of the U21s group.
"I've seen him play a number of times and the level of competition at Chelsea at U21s level is exceptionally high, so it's a chance for him to come out and experience a different pathway in the game.
"He'll push on the players in the U21s group and it will give us a chance to take a closer look at him."
The teenager won the FA Youth Cup last season with the Blues, and spent a brief spell on loan with Yeovil Town earlier this season.
Archange's move, which initially runs to January 14th, will be completed subject to paperwork clearance, and he will be at Leyton Orient on Tuesday night.
"I've seen him play a number of times and the level of competition at Chelsea at U21s level is exceptionally high, so it's a chance for him to come out and experience a different pathway in the game.
"He'll push on the players in the U21s group and it will give us a chance to take a closer look at him."
The teenager won the FA Youth Cup last season with the Blues, and spent a brief spell on loan with Yeovil Town earlier this season.
Archange's move, which initially runs to January 14th, will be completed subject to paperwork clearance, and he will be at Leyton Orient on Tuesday night.