Chelsea FC have initiated talks with Ligue 1 LOSC Lille over a possible swoop for French attacker Jonathan Ikone. The Blues have been reported to be interested in signing the 22-year old this summer. Frank Lampard is believed to be keen on adding another attacking option to his side ahead of next season.
Ikone was the standout star for Lille in the recently concluded 2019-20 Ligue 1 campaign. The 22-year old took the mantle of the club’s attacking star following the departure of former talisman Nicolas Pepe to Arsenal last summer. And the Frenchman has been fantastic for his side all season, netting four goals and recording seven assists in the process,
The forward’s current deal with the Ligue 1 side runs for another three years. Ikone, however, has indicated his desire of seeking a move elsewhere this summer to the French club. The 22-year old believes that he is now ready to play in a more competitive environment found in the Premier League.
Despite Ikone being one of Lille’s star players, the Ligue 1 outfit are open to selling the French international this summer. A fee worth €36 million is being demanded by Lille to let Ikone leave the Stade Pierre Mauroy.
The 22-year old certainly has a bright future ahead of him considering his attacking abilities on the pitch. Since his breakthrough at Lille last season, the forward has already earned four caps from the French national team. Moreover, Ikone is quite versatile as he can be fielded across any attacking position upfront.
In attempting to sign the 22-year old French international, Chelsea FC boss Frank Lampard could be attempting to sign a worthy backup-option for new arrival Timo Werner at the club. The 24-year old German striker is widely tipped to be the Blues’ first-choice striker next season.
Also, with Michy Batshuayi almost certain to leave the club and Olivier Giroud’s future at Stamford Bridge up in the air, signing another forward must be a top priority for Lampard this season.
