Chelsea leading Premier League rivals in transfer race for ‘next Yaya Toure’

Chelsea are gearing up for another busy summer transfer window as they bid to strengthen Enzo Maresca’s squad, with their focus turning to one of Europe’s top young talents

Chelsea have emerged as the frontrunners in the race to sign Lorient starlet Arthur Avom. The 20-year-old has starred for Les Merlus in their push to win the Ligue 2 title this season, a target they look well set to achieve.

Avom has featured 32 times this year in what is his first campaign in senior football. Playing mainly in defensive midfield, Avom has scored two goals and notched five assists in the French second tier.

The Cameroon star has even been compared to former Manchester City hero Yaya Toure. He has helped Lorient to the top of the table, where they sit three points ahead of closest challengers Paris FC heading into the final two games of the season.

Avom’s performances have attracted the eye of several Premier League sides. Lorient are keen to tie him down to a new long-term deal, with his current contract entering its final year.

But they look set to face a difficult challenge in keeping hold of their young star. With just a year to run on his contract, any interested suitor may be able to secure a cheaper price for him.

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According to The Sun, Chelsea, West Ham and Aston Villa are all tracking the 20-year-old. The trio have all sent scouts to attend his games this season, with the Blues currently seen as the frontrunners.

It is claimed that Avom is ready to listen to all offers and will make a decision on his future later this summer. Chelsea’s plan would be to immediately loan Avom out to sister club Strasbourg in Ligue 1 if they signed him.

Strasbourg are led by Liam Rosienior and are chasing a European qualification place. That plan may face difficulties though, with West Ham ready to offer an immediate place in their senior squad.

Boss Graham Potter is keen to rebuild his midfield, with that area having disappointed this season. Villa meanwhile are also keen on Avom and will certainly be able to offer the chance to feature in European competition.

Unai Emery has a track record of working with young players and has ‘set his sights’ on convincing Avom to come to Villa Park. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has admitted that his side’s summer transfer plans will only be decided once the season is over.

“Today, football is not like five or ten years ago when the rules were different. Today’s rules, you have to be careful how much you spend because you can be banned [from competitions] or not in the right place,” he said.

“It will be a completely different kind of target if we finish in the Champions League or not. In terms of experience, I think next year our squad will have more experience and will be better.

“For sure, when you have experience you have something more, no doubt. But the ones that struggled this year in terms of experience, they have one more year of experience and next year they can be better.”

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