Chelsea could hijack Barcelona’s move for Jeremie Boga in January, according to Daily Mail.
Boga came up through the ranks at Stamford Bridge but saw first team opportunities limited before leaving for Italian club Sassuolo for just £3.5 million in 2017.
The 22-year-old has scored 4 goals in 10 appearances for Sassuolo this season and is a target for Spanish champions Barcelona. Chelsea could scupper Barcelona hopes of landing Boga in January, with the Blues retaining a buyback clause in the deal that took the winger to Sassuolo.
Reports from Spain claim Sassuolo sporting director Giovanni Carnevali met with Barca vice president Jordi Cardoner and CEO Oscar Grau and spoke about the availability of the 22-year-old for a January transfer.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is in the market for a winger in January, with Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho and Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha at the top of his wishlist but Boga could present a far cheaper alternative should he fail to land either player. Sancho could cost over £100 million, while Zaha is likely to set the Blues back around £80 million.
Lampard confirmed that he is still looking for a replacement for Eden Hazard, who left for Real Madrid in the summer, and will look to sign a similar player in January.
“I think it will be a bit fluid and discussions will be ongoing from now about where we can strengthen,” said Lampard.