Chelsea have identified PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko as a “top target” for the summer transfer window, according to Sky Germany reporter Patrick Berger.
The journalist claims that Manchester City, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund are also interested in the 20-year-old.
Bakayoko has been in decent form this season, having scored 8 goals and provided 13 assists in 40 appearances for PSV.
However, the Belgian remains a raw talent and, if the Blues do pursue the player, it would suggest that the club’s recruitment department have not shifted their focus away from signing young talent.
Bakayoko won’t be available on the cheap
The winger does not have a release clause in his contract and, with his current deal expiring in 2027, PSV will be in no mood to offload him for a low price.
It is believed that Brentford tabled a €40m (£34m) bid for Bakayoko during the January transfer window, but the proposal was rejected.
PSV are expected to demand anything between €50m (£43m) and €60m (£51m) if a team makes another approach for their player in the summer.
Chelsea will be in the market for a winger
At the moment, the Blues are pretty well-stocked when it comes to wide players. Manager Mauricio Pochettino can call upon the likes of Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer and even Christopher Nkunku.
However, Madueke’s future is uncertain. His lack of game time may lead to him leaving on loan or even on a permanent basis. Sterling has also struggled for form and there is a feeling that, if a suitable offer arrives from Saudi Arabia, the club would be willing to sell.
Whether Bakayoko would be an improvement on the club’s current options, though, it is up for debate. He would be a costly purchase when there are more pressing matters in other areas of the pitch.