Transfer expert reveals Chelsea offer for in-demand attacker, with big move now seen as more likely
Chelsea have made an offer for Borussia Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko, a transfer expert in Germany has revealed.
Moukoko has risen to prominence this season with Dortmund, scoring six goals in 22 appearances. He has also provided half a dozen assists in all competitions. However, this could be his final season with the Bundesliga club.
The 18-year-old will be out of contract at the end of the season. Even now, he could sign a pre-contract agreement with his next club. A number of Premier League teams have been listed among his admirers.
For example, Monday’s Euro Paper Talk mentioned how Erik ten Hag would gladly welcome Moukoko to Manchester United.
However, there have also been links between the striker and Chelsea for quite some time. At various points, the Blues have appeared to be the frontrunners to sign Moukoko.
Now, Sky Sports Deutschland reporter Marc Behrenbeck has revealed the latest on their pursuit of Moukoko.
The transfer expert has revealed that Chelsea have “made an offer” for the teenager – without clarifying whether that was a bid to Dortmund for a January transfer, or an approach to his entourage to sign him as a free agent in the summer.
Either way, Behrenbeck is now predicting that it is more likely for Moukoko to leave Dortmund than stay with them.
Furthermore, it isn’t ruled out that the Bundesliga side could take their last chance to cash in on the striker this month.
Contract talks before Christmas did not exactly go to plan. Dortmund have made their final offer of a contract extension to Moukoko clear, but the Germany international is looking unlikely to accept it.
Soon, he might have to work out where he is going to be playing his football next season. It seems Chelsea could be in strong contention for his signature.
Chelsea aiming to add Moukoko to youth drive
In recent months, the Blues have been building a squad for the future. The likes of Carney Chukwuemeka, Omari Hutchinson, Cesare Casadei, Gabriel Slonina, David Datro Fofana and Wesley Fofana all signed for the club under the age of 23.
Some are more ready for the first team than others, but Chelsea are clearly looking ahead as they evolve their squad.
Perhaps Moukoko could be the next on their agenda. However, they are facing competition from Barcelona, who would like to take him to La Liga.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed in recent hours that Barcelona are interested in Moukoko, whom they view as a potential back-up option to Robert Lewandowski. However, they want to wait until the summer before taking him on a free transfer.
In the meantime, there could be a window of opportunity for any other suitors – particularly from the Premier League – to spend on the centre-forward.
Chelsea will be hoping that things fall into place for them to benefit. They need to address their attack for the future, and their recent acquisition of Datro Fofana shows they know it.
They are also expecting Christopher Nkunku to join next season, but Moukoko could given them another option more centrally.
He would be an exciting prospect for Graham Potter to develop and already seems capable of contributing at a high level.
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