Lille youngster Boubakary Soumare is reportedly set for a transfer to the Premier League and favours joining Chelsea over the league rivals Manchester United this January.
The 20-year-old ace has had an outstanding season with fifth-placed Lille in Ligue 1 and is widely considered as one of the most promising young midfielders in Europe.
Boubakary was discovered by Lille chief Luis Campos, the man who helped unearth the likes of Bernardo Silva, Fabinho, James Rodriguez, Kylian Mbappe and Anthony Martial during his time at Monaco.
It’s understood Real Madrid and Arsenal have both dropped their interest in Boubakary, making it a two-horse race for the France -U21 international this winter.
According to Sky Sports, Boubakary will join the Blues before the transfer deadline on January 31.
While the midfielder has been ‘tempted’ by the Red Devils, it’s stated he’s ‘leaning towards’ choosing a move to West London.
Both clubs are prepared to meet Lille’s £40 million asking price for Boubakary and it’s now up to the talent to decide his future.