Chelsea are reportedly eyeing a deal for French World Cup winner and former Liverpool target Nabil Fekir, as they seek potential replacements for Eden Hazard.
As per a report from French publication mercato365.com, Premier League heavyweights Chelsea are set to step up their pursuit of Olympique Lyon captain Nabil Fekir.
The 25-year-old playmaker came very close to moving to England this past summer, when Liverpool seemed set to sign him in a £60 million deal. But, the Reds pulled out of negotiations at the last minute, owing to some concerns over the Frenchman’s injury issues.
Chelsea too, were interested in Fekir in summer, but passed up the opportunity to sign him according to Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas. However, they have been keeping a close eye on the versatile attacker ever since, with a move in the summer believed to be in the works.
Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri is understood to be keen on bolstering his options in attack as Eden Hazard’s future continues to be surrounded by clouds of uncertainty. The Belgian wing wizard has hinted that he wishes to secure a move to Real Madrid and Los Blancos too, are keen on signing him and readying a huge offer.
Hazard will be entering the final year of his contract with Chelsea at the end of the season and the Blues have been relentlessly trying to get him to sign a new deal worth £300,000-a-week. But, no progress has been made on that front and as a result, the West Londoners are believed to be putting contingencies in place, with Fekir being lined up as a potential replacement for the Belgian.
Even if Hazard does not leave for the Spanish capital, a new attacker would be a welcome addition at Stamford Bridge, considering that both Pedro and Willian are on the wrong side of 30.
Fekir had a splendid campaign in 2017-18 as he bagged 23 goals and set up 8 more in 40 matches across all competitions, before going on to win the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France in Russia.
The 25-year-old has made a rather slow start to the ongoing season though, with injuries restricting him to just 9 appearances in all competitions, in which he has scored three times and assisted four goals.
Like Hazard, Fekir will also be entering the final twelve months of his contract with Lyon at the end of the season and Chelsea are hoping to secure the Frenchman’s services in a cut-price deal in the summer. However, they are likely to face competition from German champions Bayern Munich, while Real Madrid too have their eyes on the 25-year-old.
The former Liverpool transfer target has the potential to be an excellent signing for the Londoners, but it remains to be seen if they act upon their interest in the summer.
