Falk explains why Chelsea hold advantage in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund starlet

Chelsea hold advantage in the race to sign Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko

According to German journalist Christian Falk, as quoted in CaughtOffside (h/t Football.London), Chelsea have a distinct advantage in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko in the summer.

It is revealed that the current Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell, who was with RB Leipzig before coming to Stamford Bridge, knows Moukoko well from his time in the Bundesliga. So, the Blues may use that as an advantage in the race.

The young German international is having his contract expire at Dortmund in the summer (Transfermarkt). Reports have updated us that he has rejected fresh contract terms from the German club. Although Chelsea are leading the race to sign him, Manchester United, Arsenal and Barcelona are in the reckoning to sign him for free in the summer.

It will be an interesting next few months in this transfer saga because Moukoko is a fantastic young player who is only going to get better in years to come. Signing him for free would be a shrewd business by any club in the world.

If we look at the 18-year-old’s numbers this season, he has six goals and six assists in 22 appearances in all competitions. This is his first campaign of getting regular game time for the senior team.

In terms of his attributes, Moukoko is a rapid forward who can beat defenders for pace in any instance. He has good close control of the ball, can find spaces in the box to meet crosses and can drop deep and link the play up with the midfield as well to open up space for other runners in the box.

Chelsea have signed a young striker in the shape of David Datro Fofana this month. But, we know they are short in that department by some margin.

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So, adding Moukoko to the fore in the summer is only going to help in strengthening that department for seasons to come. However, the Blues must understand that this is a deal that could invite competition and they have to make sure they are ready and primed to pounce on the German the moment there is a hint that he could be signed.