Chelsea have reportedly entered the race to sign Vasco De Gama forward Rayan, who has been scouted by Tottenham and Barcelona.
The Blues have been excellent in terms of identifying young, talented players to sign in recent years. Names that spring to mind are Cole Palmer from Man City, Estevao from Palmeiras and Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.
However, Enzo Maresca may be keen to add more talent in January as his side hasn’t got off to the best start in the Premier League. They have lost their last two matches, with the most recent, a 3-1 defeat to Brighton at Stamford Bridge.
Ironically, one of the new young players that Chelsea are targeting is also wanted by Brighton, which potentially shows how talented he is. According to Brazilian outlet BolaVip, Chelsea have entered the race to sign Vasco De Gama winger Rayan, who at 18, is generating a lot of transfer interest.
Tottenham and Barcelona have reportedly scouted the attacker, who can play on either wing or as a striker, as he has impressed since emerging from Vasco’s youth teams. Last season in Brazil, Rayan made 42 appearances in all competitions, scoring 12 goals, and providing one assist.
The 19-year-old has an estimated market value of just £16m, but based on his potential, if Chelsea were to go after him, they would likely have to pay more, like they did with Estevao last summer.
Have Chelsea been linked to any other forwards?
Rayan isn’t the only attacker who has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in recent weeks, as the Blues are also reportedly considering a move for an experienced striker from the Serie A.
Dusan Vlahovic could be available for a very cheap deal in January, as his contract at Juventus is due to expire in June, meaning that the Italian club risk losing him for free if they don’t sell him in January.
Chelsea are said to be interested in the Serbian international alongside Manchester United, who also want the 25-year-old to ease some pressure on striker Benjamin Sesko. Vlahovic has scored four goals in six goals for Juventus so far this season.