CHELSEA are set to rival Tottenham after joining the transfer race to sign Rennes wonderkid Desire Doue.
The 19-year-old midfielder has also attracted interest from European giants Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.
Bayern Munich’s £30 million offer for the French youngster was immediately rejected by Rennes.
As one of Europe's hottest prospects Rennes are seeking a deal of £52million for Doue, who will represent France at the Paris Olympics later this month.
London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham will battle it out alongside Bayern and PSG for the 2022 European U17 champion with all teams boasting European football next season.
Both London rivals are so keen on the Frenchman that they want a deal to be sealed very soon.
Doue progressed swiftly through the Rennes youth ranks and began training with the senior squad in January 2022.
The youngster eventually established himself in the first team as a left winger and massed a total of four goals and five assists in 31 appearances in the French top flight this term.
And this could be the perfect addition for new Blues boss Enzo Maresca, who has been busy this summer transfer window as he looks to revamp his squad for the upcoming season.
Chelsea's latest signing was confirmed on Friday with the arrival of defensive midfielder Renato Veiga from FC Basel in a deal thought to be around £12million.
He now joins recruits Marc Guiu, Tosin Adarabioyo, Omari Kellyman and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall who have all made the move to Stamford Bridge.
Nico Williams and Dani Olmo are two players currently shining at Euro 2024 to have been tipped for Chelsea transfers, though no offers have yet been made for either individual.
Karim Adeyemi is said to be another name being looked at, though the Borussia Dortmund star is reportedly not certain about a move to Chelsea.
The Blues are also targeting Manchester City icon Julian Alvarez after rejecting a four-year contract to stay at the club.
