Spanish giants Atletico Madrid have stolen a march on Chelsea in the race for a talented forward, according to reports.
The Blues brought in Romelu Lukaku this summer for a club-record £97.5million. He started his second spell with the club in exciting fashion, scoring against Arsenal and Aston Villa.
Lukaku’s form has since been questioned by former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte. The Belgian was kept at bay by Tottenham, Man City and Southampton recently.
Despite the huge signing, Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia is already looking at how to secure the long-term future of the club.
That search for the next wonderkid has taken her to Angers’ Mohamed-Ali Cho. The 17-year-old has represented France U21s on three occasions already.
Cho can operate either as a centre-forward or second striker. He has managed goals against Rennes and Metz in Ligue 1 so far this campaign.
Reports on October 2 revealed that Chelsea have scouted the starlet on multiple occasions. ‘Glowing reviews’ have apparently returned each time.
However, the Blues are not alone in their admiration for Cho. French outlet Le10Sport write that reigning La Liga champions Atletico Madrid are also interested.
They have acted by making the first formal approach for him. The report does not reveal how Angers have responded.
It does claim that they will need to sell at some point in the near future to balance the books. That opens up the possibility for a big move to either Chelsea or Atletico next summer.
Granovskaia will need to act fast if she is to help Chelsea win the race for Cho’s services.
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Barca set sights on three Chelsea stars
Cash-strapped Barcelona are having to focus on free transfers to improve Ronald Koeman’s options.
The likes of Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia all arrived for free in the summer window.
Blaugrana president Joan Laporta has now drawn up a shortlist of potential signings for 2022. Mundo Deportivo write that he is monitoring Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen.
All three defenders recently entered the final 12 months of their contracts. Talks with Christensen are progressing, while Chelsea are still hoping to tie down Rudiger.
Azpilicueta, meanwhile, is expected to continue his long association with the Champions League holders.
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