Chelsea are reportedly interested in defender Youcef Atal from French top-flight club Nice.
According to the Telegraph, the Blues have the Ligue 1 right-back on their radar, should their two-window transfer ban from FIFA be delayed.
It is understood that the Algeria international is also being watched by European giants Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid.
The report details that the 22-year-old would cost at least £34.6million and that fee could soar up.
Atal is an attack-minded full-back that has impressed in France this season and has a lot of potential.
He’s a skilful individual with quick feet and is a strong dribbler, which is why he’s a right-back by trade but can also be deployed further forward as a winger.
The wide man has made 26 appearances across all competitions for Lille this season and managed an impressive six goals in return.
Chelsea could do with some more competition for Cesar Azpilicueta next season at right-back, which is why the return of loanee Reece James from Wigan should help solve that problem.
Atal looks like he would be a costly purchase, but it could be worth the investment to have two exciting young talent at Stamford Bridge in the full-back area.
But Maurizio Sarri’s side are still of course dependent on the outcome of FIFA’s response to an appeal against a transfer ban.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
