Chelsea are setting their sights on Napoli starlet Amadou Diawara, reports the Sun.
The Serie A club may be keen to cash in on the Guinean, who cost just £13million when they signed him from Bologna last summer.
The Blues could offer as much as £40million to tempt him to Stamford Bridge, though it’s understood they also face competition from Tottenham.
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte could be the difference, as his former position as Italian national manager means he is well acquainted with players in the country.
The one obstacle to any prospective agreement could be that there was bad blood between Napoli and Chelsea this summer just gone.
The Italian side were unhappy with the pursuit of defender Kalidou Koulibaly as it seems his head was turned, but they may find it hard to turn down £40million nonetheless.
Spurs have reportedly already had a £34million bid rejected, though that seems questionable given that that would have made him their record signing.
Ironically, it’s usually Mauricio Pochettino who is keen to give youngsters a chance in his side, but there may be no room for Diawara, who would add to an already congested central midfield.
Chelsea, on the other hand, are looking to add to that position with Jon Obi Mikel and Cesc Fabregas both set to leave.
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