The Athletic’s David Ornstein is reporting that Youssoufa Moukoko is in ‘advanced’ talks to sign for Chelsea amid reports linking him with Liverpool.
The 18-year-old has been one of the breakout stars of the 2022/23 campaign as he has shone for Borussia Dortmund.
He has grabbed six goals and three assists in just 14 appearances in the Bundesliga as he has attempted to fill the significant void left by Erling Haaland.
Moukoko has not yet reached Haaland’s level in terms of goalscoring but he is still doing damned well and his form earned him a place in Germany’s 26-man World Cup squad.
The striker may not remain at Dortmund for much longer though as his contract with them is due to expire in 2023.
Back in October, it was revealed that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been ‘blown away’ by Moukoko this season.
Last month it was reported that the teenager is ‘ready to leave’ Borussia Dortmund so a move is likely either in January or next summer.
According to Ornstein, Chelsea are the club currently leading the race to sign Moukoko.
He thinks a move to Stamford Bridge in January for the forward is possible.
‘Chelsea are exploring the possibility of bringing Youssoufa Moukoko to Stamford Bridge,’ Ornstein wrote for The Athletic.
‘Moukoko became the youngest player to represent Germany at a World Cup when he came on as a substitute in the 2-1 defeat by Japan in their opening group game, aged 18 years and three days.
‘A move to Chelsea is certainly not done but other Premier League clubs are under the impression it is advanced and are watching closely, given it may have implications for the availability of Armando Broja, who was taken off the field on a stretcher during a friendly against Aston Villa in Dubai on Sunday.
‘Moukoko is set to be out of contract at Dortmund at the end of this season and there is a school of thought that Chelsea are doing the groundwork for a summer deal ahead of time, but may find a way to bring him to west London next month.’
Chelsea could sign Moukoko, but they have missed out on Palmeiras sensation Endrick.
The youngster has agreed to join Real Madrid and the €60m deal will be completed in 2024.
Ornstein has added that Chelsea were ‘more hesitant’ than their rivals in the battle for Endrick.
‘Endrick and his family were impressed by Chelsea but found the Premier League side to be more hesitant in committing to the financial terms, even though a large element of the deal was performance-related,’ Ornstein added.
‘The timing may also have worked against the London club, given their recruitment operation is still being constructed following a raft of changes made by the new ownership.’
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