Chelsea have a ‘chance’ to sign Borussia Dortmund forward Youssoufa Moukoko in the winter transfer window, journalist Simon Phillips has informed GiveMeSport.
The 18-year-old’s current contract is due to expire next summer and talks over a new deal appear to have reached an impasse, raising doubts over where he will be plying his trade next term.
Chelsea transfer news – Youssoufa Moukoko
Moukoko’s agent Patrick Williams has told Sky Sports Germany reporter Sven Westerschulze that they are ‘not closing in’ on an agreement with Dortmund at this moment in time.
“I can confirm that we are currently not closing in on agreement with Borussia Dortmund to sign a new contract,” Williams revealed.
And the reliable Florian Plettenberg has stated that Chelsea are ‘seriously pushing’ for the Germany international after holding ‘concrete talks’ about the numbers involved in a potential deal.
The Times have also reported that both Manchester United and Liverpool are eager to add Moukoko to their attacking options, though.
Moukoko is set to be one of the most in-demand players throughout January, and a switch to the Premier League is looking like an increasingly likely outcome.
What has Phillips said about Moukoko?
Phillips has told GMS that Chelsea are pushing for AC Milan attacker Rafael Leao but that Moukoko is another option high up on Graham Potter’s wish list.
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
He said: “The situation there is that they're trying to get him to sign a new contract, but at the moment, he's not certain on doing that.
“So, there's a chance for him in January, that’s another option as well. Those are probably the two main ones that Chelsea are pushing for.”
Would Moukoko be a good signing?
Moukoko has quickly established himself as one of the most promising youngsters in the Bundesliga over the last 18 months or so.
The diminutive striker has registered 11 goals and eight assists in 59 appearances across all competitions for Dortmund, catching the eye of several elite sides around the continent.
As per FBref, Moukoko has also ranked in the 95th percentile for non-penalty expected goals, and the 89th for tackles amongst his positional peers over the last year, indicating he’s also willing to complete his defensive duties.
Chelsea could secure the services of one of the next generation's most talented goalscorers if they manage to entice Moukoko to Stamford Bridge, potentially putting an end to their issues upfront.