Chelsea have been linked with a late swoop for Lyon playmaker Nabil Fekir, as Maurizio Sarri eyes reinforcements before the transfer deadline.
The 25-year-old made quite the impression last season, scoring 23 goals and providing eight assists in 40 appearances to earn himself a spot in France’s World Cup squad.
That ended in triumph in Russia, and so Fekir has certainly enjoyed a memorable 12 months in his career as he could potentially be offered a chance to take the next step.
According to The Mirror, Chelsea are paired with making a move for him with the transfer deadline for English clubs fast approaching on Thursday, although it’s added that he could cost more than £50m to prise away from Lyon.
Fekir has himself left the door open to a potential exit though, despite insisting that he remains happy at the Ligue 1 outfit.
“As you can see, I am in Lyon. I am very happy here,” he is quoted as saying in the report. “But the transfer window is still long and everything goes very quickly in football. We don’t know what will happen in the future but I am very happy at Lyon.”
It remains to be seen whether or not Chelsea are successful with a late bid, but what is clear following their defeat to Man City in their Community Shield clash on Sunday, is that Sarri could certainly do with additional reinforcements to help him implement his preferred style of play.
The Italian tactician was lauded for his expansive football while in charge of Empoli and particularly Napoli, but aside from the fact that he’s only had a few weeks to work with his new squad, he may struggle to get what he wants out of the group he inherited from Antonio Conte.
Fekir, who offers creativity, a goal threat and a solid work rate, could be a sensible signing, but time will tell if Chelsea’s interest is concrete and if so, if they are able to satisfy Lyon’s demands before the deadline passes.