According to L’Equipe, Chelsea and Manchester City are in the race to secure the services of Rennes winger Jeremy Doku.
Man City are actively seeking a replacement for Riyad Mahrez, and Doku is their top priority. While no formal offer has been made yet, L’Equipe reports that they are leading the pursuit for the Belgian winger, who is valued at £51 million.
However, competition for Doku remains fierce, with Chelsea also showing keen interest in the player.
The Blues had recently come close to signing Michael Olise from Crystal Palace for £34 million, but he surprised everyone by opting to renew his contract with the Eagles instead.
Doku possesses versatility, capable of playing on either wing, though he prefers the right flank.
His standout attributes include speed and excellent dribbling skills, demonstrated by his impressive average of 3.3 successful take-ons per game in Ligue 1 last season.
While the 23-year-old’s decision-making in the penalty area still requires improvement, it’s believed that with time and experience, he can enhance this aspect of his game.
Man City sees him as having the potential to become a top-tier player in the future and are considering making an offer in the near future.
But, Chelsea could present strong competition in the race for the Ligue 1 star, especially after missing out on Olise’s signing.
Currently, they have Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke as potential options for the right-wing position.
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Sterling has not been in peak form since his move to Stamford Bridge last summer, and Madueke is yet to establish himself after arriving in January.
Consequently, Doku could seize the opportunity to make the right-wing position his own at Stamford Bridge.
Rennes are reportedly seeking £51m to sell the versatile attacker. Chelsea are in a financial position to pursue his services, having spent a net sum of £111 million in the ongoing transfer window.
In addition to a winger, the Blues might also be in the market for a new striker due to a long-term injury sustained by Christopher Nkunku.
