Chelsea have been 'scouting' Kouadio Kone and the Borussia Monchengladbach star has been added to Graham Potter's 'list' of midfield targets at Stamford Bridge, journalist Simon Phillips has told GiveMeSport.

Having been appointed as the Blues' head coach in September, Potter now has the opportunity to freshen up his squad during the January transfer window.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update

Chelsea transfer news - Kouadio Kone

According to Si & Dan Talk Chelsea, Blues technical director Christopher Vivell has urged the club to sign Kone at the end of the season.

The report suggests Vivell, who became a key member of the behind the scenes team last month, has recommended the central midfielder to Chelsea after watching him closely during his time working for Monchengladbach's Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig.

But the west Londoners are not Kone's only admirers as Paris Saint-Germain have contacted his representatives ahead of a potential switch to the Parc des Princes and several other European clubs hold an interest after Newcastle United failed with a £31million bid last summer.

Although the France under-21 international is being courted by numerous sides, Monchengladbach are under no pressure to sanction his departure as Kone's contract still has two-and-a-half years to run and there is an option for the agreement to be extended by another 12 months.

Phillips recently told GiveMeSport that Chelsea are looking to sign a midfielder, centre-back and striker during the January transfer window.

What has Simon Phillips said about Kone?

Phillips believes discussions have been held over Kone after he has worked his way onto Chelsea chief Potter's radar.

The journalist feels the former Toulouse man has been scouted after catching the capital club's eye with his performances.

Phillips told GiveMeSport: "I'd say he is more of a long-term target at the moment, but he has certainly been discussed as a January target as well.

"Chelsea are trying to get midfielders in. They are looking to get one in January and another one in the summer. There's a scenario where we might even see three arrive come the summer.

"It's an area that Chelsea are working on to rebuild and they're looking for younger players. He's one that has really caught their eye. They've been scouting him recently and he's on the list of midfielders."

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

Would Kone be a good signing for Chelsea?

Sofascore statistics show that Kone has averaged 2.1 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per Bundesliga outing this season, while he also boasts 87 per cent pass accuracy.

Those figures emphasise that he would make Chelsea more aggressive in the heart of the midfield, while he is also reliable when in possession.

Additionally, Kone is capable of being a goal threat as he has found the back of the net 10 times and registered a further three assists in 103 senior appearances at club level.

Although the transfer target has already been forced to contend with a suspension this season, after racking up five yellow cards before November, that should not come as too much of a concern for Potter.

While there is ongoing uncertainty over the futures of Jorginho and N'Golo Kante, due to their respective contracts being due to expire in the summer, Chelsea should pounce for Kone.

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