Chelsea will make sure that they are "in the conversation" for top players like Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham, claims transfer insider Dean Jones.
The west London club have reportedly made a move to sign RB Leipzig's Christopher Nkunku despite the window being closed, and Jones has suggested that they could do something similar with Bellingham and others of his quality.
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What is the latest transfer news involving Chelsea?
According to The Athletic, Chelsea and Graham Potter have won the race to sign Nkunku next summer.
The sports website claims that the Blues are ready to pay more than the Frenchman's €60m (around £52m) release clause to wrap up a deal now, while it is also believed that he has already had a medical.
Nkunku, however, is not the only player Chelsea and co-owner Todd Boehly seem to be targeting right now.
As per The Telegraph, the Stamford Bridge outfit also have an interest in Bellingham, who could cost £130m if Dortmund decide to sell him next year.
What has Jones said about Bellingham and Chelsea?
Like with Nkunku, Jones can see Chelsea trying to strike early deals for Bellingham and other players in the near future.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said: "We know that they're trying to ensure they're well prepared for future years, and this isn't the only deal that they'll be looking to tie up in advance either.
"I think that, as part of their new strategy, they'll be looking for a lot of players of this type and to see if they can strike a deal early to give them the best possibility of getting them. So somebody like Jude Bellingham, those types of players who are emerging to be top, top players, Chelsea will make sure that they're in the conversation from day one."
Why would Chelsea make a move for Bellingham now?
Competition for Bellingham is already fierce, with The Athletic reporting that Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid are all competing for his signature.
The above comes as no surprise, as the English midfielder is easily one of the best young players in the world right now.
He was described as "incredible" by AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho last year, while City boss Pep Guardiola used the word "exceptional" when talking about the 19-year-old in September.
When you consider all of that, it makes a lot of sense for Chelsea to try and sign Bellingham now. However, given the options he has, you suspect that the England international is not going to make a final decision on his future just yet.
Read more: Chelsea now very close to signing RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku