Chelsea are up against Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid in the battle to sign Ajax youngster Anwar El Ghazi, reports the Daily Express
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The 20-year-old has been named Young Player of the Year at the Dutch club as reward for his stellar season. He has scored nine goals and created another eight in 42 games during the campaign. All three of the interested parties are expected to send scouts to the Toulon Under 20’s tournament to have a look at the youngster later this month.
Although naturally a winger, the wide man has the potential to be developed in to a striker according to former Netherlands international Pierre van Hooijdonk on UEFA.com. This could be a similar career path to Cristiano Ronaldo, who has gone on to be one of the best players in the world and flourished under Blues boss Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.
The Dutchman said: “He has that gift of getting in front of goal and he’s a real killer when he’s there. As a winger he is already worth a fortune, but once he has developed into a striker Ajax could double their money.”
However, even if the Stamford Bridge outfit do sign El Ghazi it isn’t guaranteed that he would go straight in to the first team. Chelsea have gained a reputation for signing younger players and loaning them out to develop. This could be a similar situation.