Chelsea are reportedly at the head of the queue for Lorient midfielder Arthur Avom.
The 20-year-old has been in strong form for his Ligue 2 club during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring twice and registering five assists in 32 appearances in all competitions, and it is understood that a number of major teams are tracking him.
According to The Sun, Chelsea are leading the race for the Cameroonian, with the Blues sending scouts to watch him on a number of occasions this term, while West Ham United and Aston Villa are also said to be monitoring his progress.
Avom's current deal is due to run until June 2026, but Lorient are said to be desperately attempting to sign him to an extension in order to place them in a stronger position when it comes to any potential transfer negotiations.
The midfielder has been compared to former Manchester City star Yaya Toure due to his playing style, and he has already been capped on two occasions by Cameroon.
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Chelsea 'leading the race' for Avom
Chelsea would allegedly look to loan Avom out to sister club Strasbourg next season if a deal goes through, but the midfielder is said to be considering whether a switch to Stamford Bridge would be best at this stage of his career.
Bournemouth are also a potentially interesting option for the midfielder, as the Cherries have a strategic relationship with sister club Lorient, which could place the club in a strong position to get a deal done this summer.
That said, Andoni Iraola's side would not be able to compete with Chelsea from a financial point of view, while the chance to sign a long-term deal with a major English club would be difficult for Avom to turn down.
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Will Chelsea qualify for next season's Champions League?
Chelsea will be in a much stronger position heading into this summer's transfer widow if they are able to secure Champions League qualification for the 2025-26 campaign.
The Blues are currently fifth in the Premier League table, level on points with sixth-placed Nottingham Forest, and England's top flight will have five Champions League spots available to them for next season.
Enzo Maresca's side are only three points clear of seventh-placed Aston Villa, though, so it is possible that they could be made to settle for another spot in the Conference League.
Chelsea are currently battling for success in the Conference League, preparing to take on Djurgardens IF in the semi-finals of the competition ahead of a potential final against Real Betis or Fiorentina.
Matt Law
