Chelsea are thought to have opened talks with Rennes about Lesley Ugochukwu
The 19-year-old midfielder was on the 2023 Golden Boy Index for his potential
The Blues are looking for midfield reinforcements amid Moises Caicedo talks
Chelsea are in negotiations to sign promising teenager Lesley Ugochukwu from Stade Rennais, according to a new report in France.
The French midfielder, who has been capped at the under-18 and under-19 level, has been tipped to be one of the stars of the future, featuring on the 2023 Golden Boy Index.
Ugochukwu, 19, has spent his youth career at Rennes since 2012, and made his senior debut for the club in April 2021.
Now just over two years later, L’Equipe report that Chelsea are in talks about bringing the midfielder to London.
While West Ham were also thought to be interested in Ugochukwu’s services, it is their crosstown rivals who are thought to have opened into conversations ten days ago about signing up the talented player.
Ugochukwu started just 14 Ligue 1 games for Rennes last season, with game time difficult to come by in the latter part of the campaign. His current deal lasts until 2025.
Chelsea need reinforcements in midfield after the 2023 departures of Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Moises Caicedo remains the number one target for the centre of the park, but Brighton rejected an £80m opening bid for the Ecuador international.
The Seagulls want around £100m for Caicedo, who is keen to move to Stamford Bridge, and is close to agreeing personal terms.
