Chelsea weigh up £20m swoop for leading Premier League star

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Chelsea are reportedly lining up a £20m move for Leicester City forward Riyad Mahrez in the January transfer window.

The Blues are understood to have been tracking the Algerian international since the start of the season, and his impressive form for the Foxes has led to the club pushing ahead with a move.

According to the Daily Star, owner Roman Abramovich is particularly a fan of the talented winger, and in turn has placed him at the top of the club’s transfer list.

It remains to be seen whether or not the 24-year-old is capable of maintaining his form through the remainder of the season though, regardless of where his future lies for the second half of the campaign.

Furthermore, the move away from Leicester could disrupt his development, as he undoubtedly has a clear place in Claudio Ranieri’s squad and with competition for places increasing, he may suffer similarly to many that have gone before him.

Nevertheless, that isn’t expected to put Chelsea off making a move for Mahrez, with Abramovich particularly keen on signing him as it is believed the Premier League champions will sell Eden Hazard at the end of the season.

The Belgian international has struggled to replicate his form from last season so far this year, and that was singled out by supporters as a reason behind why Jose Mourinho was sacked last month.

It remains a gamble for Chelsea as they will be allowing a world-class player to leave Stamford Bridge, with no guarantees that Mahrez will be able to successfully step in and fill the void.

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