Chelsea's top summer transfer target has emerged as Brentford winger Said Benrahma, according to reports in France.
With veteran duo Willian and Pedro looking set to depart Stamford Bridge as their contracts wind down, Frank Lampard is desperate for reinforcements.
And one of those being monitored is the surprise name of the man dubbed 'the Algerian Messi', claim La Gazette du Fennec.
But the Blues face having to pay £31m to prise Benhrama away from Griffin Park.
Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic face being Lampard's only two first-team wing options next season unless new blood arrives.
Chelsea are hoping to steal a march on rivals Arsenal and Tottenham who face having to sell before they can buy in the next transfer window.
Lampard though has funds available to drive his squad forward as they close in on Champions League qualification for the 2020-21 campaign.
Benrahma, 24, has featured in 34 of Brentford's 37 Championship games this season and has struck 10 times, including a hat-trick against Hull.
The former Nice winger has also earned three senior caps for the Algerian national team.
Nesaiknruy_Legend
553
As someone who used to live in Chiswick and been to the Brentford games in the past, I can tell you this guy is an absolute baller and if the links are real, he may even be a much better pick up than Sancho. His flair on the ball is like watching an Algerian Neymar playing it's insane ans hes got end product to match. This could potentially end up being our best signing if we make it happen. His lowest potential is Mahrez level meaning his upper tier could be with Neymar and Hazard.
CollinsJunior
220
From what I noticed so far Lampard don't want big names he wants players that will play with all they got That's a good deal u know #myopinion
Kwaku16
81
If he's the Algerian Messi, what's Mahrez?
Nesaiknruy_Legend
9
From what I noticed so far Lampard don't want big names he wants players that will play with all they got That's a good deal u know #myopinion
Benrahma would be an amazing signing, have always said hes the type of player we need on the wings. When we missed out on Mahrez I was really sad but now we may sign a player with potential that far surpasses even his.