Chelsea are targeting Lille star Nicolas Pepe as a potential replacement for Eden Hazard.
The West London club are resigned to losing Belgian international Hazard this summer, with the 28-year-old likely to join Spanish giants Real Madrid after seven years at Stamford Bridge.
Maurizio Sarri’s side will turn their attention to Hazard’s former side Lille for his replacement and are targeting a move for Ivory Coast winger Pepe.
The 23-year-old has made a major impact in Ligue 1 this season, scoring 19 times and providing a further 11 assists for Lille who currently sit second in France’s top division.
According to the Mirror Pepe is keen to leave for a bigger club this summer, though the French side are reportedly demanding a huge £70m for his services.
Chelsea’s transfer plans are complicated by a FIFA imposed ban on signing players, given for breaking rule regarding the signing of minors, though the club are fighting the charge and will launch a bid for Pepe should they be successful.
