Chelsea are reportedly keeping tabs on the development of PSG starlet Ismael Gharbi, whose contract is set to run out in the summer.
According to a report from French journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Chelsea are tracking the situation of Paris Saint-Germain wonderkid Ismael Gharbi, who will be out of contract at the end of the season.
Gharbi started at the academy of Paris FC and spent six years in the system before joining the PSG youth setup in 2016. The youngster has enjoyed a rapid progression through the ranks at the French capital outfit, making his senior debut last month in a Coupe de France clash against Feignies Aulnoye FC, aged just 17.
Since then, Gharbi has featured two more times for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, mainly playing out on the right flank. However, he is capable of playing multiple positions in the attacking third. The 17-year-old could be on the move at the end of the season as his contract with Les Parisiens is on the verge of expiry.
Chelsea are believed to be keeping close tabs on the development of Gharbi as well as his contract situation as they consider signing him in the summer. The Blues have been known to pick up young talents across the world, but until recently, a majority of those would just be farmed out on loan before being sold for a profit.
However, of late, several youngsters coming through the academy have broken into the first team at Stamford Bridge, with the likes of Mason Mount, Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah having established a foothold in the senior squad at Chelsea.
The Blues seem intent on carrying that trend forward by adding more talented prospects to their ranks who can grow into the first team in the years to come. They recently signed 16-year-old prospect Travis Akomeah and are now considering a swoop for 17-year-old PSG starlet Gharbi.
However, the update from Fabrice Hawkins indicates that Chelsea are not the only team interested, with another unnamed Premier League club also keen on the youngster. Furthermore, it is claimed that Gharbi, at the moment, is considering continuing his stay at PSG. However, that could change depending on how Pochettino uses him for the remainder of the season.
