Romano says Chelsea want to strengthen in this position before transfer deadline

Chelsea are still looking to boost their squad before September 1 deadline

Chelsea are looking to add more options to the attacking line as they consider signing a no. 10 to their squad. In line with this, they have apparently expressed interest in signing Bradley Barcola from Olympique Lyonnais after missing out on Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise.

According to Fabrizio Romano via CaughtOffside (h/t Express), Chelsea are still in the market to add a no. 10 and a winger, which is likely to be the last signing(s) of the Blues’ spending this summer.

The Blues have inquired about the acquisition of Barcola, but his signing might pose challenges as the Ligue 1 star has already agreed personal terms with Paris Saint-Germain and is now waiting for the Ligue 1 club to make a move for him.

Chelsea interested in signing Bradley Barcola. (Photo by OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea are interested in signing Bradley Barcola. (Photo by OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE/AFP via Getty Images)

However, the Blues will be expecting the move to collapse so they can hijack his signing. The 20-year-old is a versatile forward who can operate on both wings and also as no. 10 and a makeshift striker.

The Olympique Lyon academy product had a breakthrough season last term, where he scored five goals and registered eight assists in 26 Ligue 1 appearances.

Chelsea have already missed out on the signing of Olise, and given that Christopher Nkunku will be out until November, Barcola’s signing makes more sense for someone who has experience playing in the top league.

He has already proven himself capable at the age of 20, and his flexibility to play anywhere in the attacking line will make his recruitment even more worthwhile. Barcola might serve as Nkunku’s backup once the former RB Leipzig forward recovers from his injury, allowing him to acquire adequate playing experience.

The main issue, however, is that he has already agreed to personal terms with PSG, making it unclear if we will be able to sign him. In that case, we can rest assured that there shouldn’t be a shortage of options if we are quick enough to act.

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The transfer window just has over a week left before it shuts down on 1 September this summer. Teams will get desperate around this time and player prices sky rocket. If nothing materialises, Carney Chukwuemeka at CAM can work wonders, just as it promised to do against West Ham United this weekend.