Chelsea make shock transfer move for Brentford’s tricky Algerian winger Said Benrahma, dubbed the Algerian Messi
CHELSEA have made a shock move for Brentford’s tricky Algerian winger Said Benrahma.
The Blues even rate Benrahma – dubbed the “Algerian Messi” – as their top summer target, according to reports in France.
And as one of the few clubs who will have money to spend this summer despite the coronavirus lockdown, Chelsea will be confident in landing their man.
Frank Lampard is set to wave goodbye to veteran wing duo Willian and Pedro this summer with both out of contract next month.
That means youngsters Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic will be the only two first-team wing options for next season.
Chelsea have been linked with Jadon Sancho on-and-off throughout the season – but Manchester United and Liverpool appear to be the leaders in that race.
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So Lampard has turned his attention to the Championship, with Benrahma, 24, on his wishlist.
The Blues chief could be hoping to take advantage of the financial hit clubs have taken during lockdown.
While Brentford value Benrahma at around £35.5million, Chelsea could launch a cut-price bid in the hopes the Bees need the cash.
A host of Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Tottenham, are said to have seen their transfer pot decimated by coronavirus.
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Benrahma has played 34 of Brentford’s 37 Championship matches so far this season, scoring ten goals – including a hat-trick in the 5-1 drubbing of Hull.
The former Nice winger has also earned three caps for Algeria in his fledgling career.
Arsenal are also rumoured to be interested in Benrahma – but will likely need to sell first before they can buy.