Chelsea are reportedly preparing to battle Paris Saint-Germain and other top European clubs for the signature of Saint-Etienne starlet Lucas Gourna-Douath.
The 17-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign under Claude Puel this term, making 25 appearances in the 2020-21 Ligue 1 campaign and starting 10 of those top-flight matches.
Gourna-Douath has earned plenty of plaudits for his performances in the middle of the park, and with Saint-Etienne needing to raise funds as they search for new owners, the youngster could be on the market this summer.
According to Goal, Gourna-Douath could follow in the footsteps of former Verts youngsters Kurt Zouma, William Saliba and Wesley Fofana by moving to the Premier League, and Chelsea could sign him for a fee of €25m (£22m) this summer.
However, the report adds that AC Milan and RB Leipzig are also keeping tabs on the Saint-Etienne academy graduate, who has already made four appearances for the France Under-17 team.
Gourna-Douath's existing deal with Saint-Etienne is due to expire at the end of the 2022-23 season.
Ben Knapton
