Chelsea and Arsenal scouts were in the stands to keep an eye on Lille defender Leny Yoro earlier this week, according to HITC Football.
The teenager played the full 90 minutes as his club lost the first leg of their Europa Conference League quarter-final against Aston Villa on Thursday evening.
Yoro is widely regarded as one of the most promising young centre-backs in Europe, having established himself as a first-team starter for Lille at the age of just 18.
The Frenchman has played 38 times in all competitions so far this season and HITC report that he was “the centre of attention” at Villa Park, with Chelsea having representatives present to watch him in action.
Why are Chelsea interested in Yoro?
Beyond his undoubted potential, the Blues are keen on securing the youngster’s services in order to strengthen the club’s options in the centre of defence.
Thiago Silva is expected to leave Stamford Bridge when his contract expires at the end of the season, while there are also doubts about the future of Trevoh Chalobah. Combined with the injury problems that Wesley Fofana has suffered, there is certainly room for a player like Yoro in the first-team squad.
Chelsea are not favourites to sign the player
HITC claim that Yoro’s preference would be to join Real Madrid if he does move teams this summer. The Spanish giants are among the clubs interested in recruiting the 18-year-old.
In addition to Real, Chelsea and Arsenal, it is believed that Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle and Liverpool are also pursuing the France Under 23 international. The player’s contract at Lille expires next year so the battle to snap him up is likely to intensify over the coming months.
