Harry Diamond
Chelsea are ready to step up their pursuit of Lyon captain Nabil Fekir.
Maurizio Sarri is believed to have made the French playmaker his number one transfer target, with the Blues likely to face competition from German giants Bayern Munich for his signature.
The 25-year-old almost signed for Liverpool in the summer before a deal fell through over issues with his medical, and Jurgen Klopp’s side have not ruled out reigniting their interest in Fekir.
Fekir, who was part of the French squad who won this summer’s World Cup, is seen by Sarri as a potential replacement for Eden Hazard with the Belgian being strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid.
France Football are reporting that Chelsea are now ready to make their move, and will rival Bayern to secure the deal.
The attacking midfielder scored 18 goals in 29 Ligue 1 appearances last season and is likely to command a fee in excess of £50m.