Chelsea are now closely looking at one specific left-back as a potential transfer target this summer.
The Blues do already own Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell as senior left-backs in their squad, plus Ian Maatsen’s performing very well right now out on loan with Borussia Dortmund.
However, Mauricio Pochettino’s side have liked what they’ve seen from a full-back in France’s Ligue 1 division.
Bradley Locko, who plays for Brest, is now in Chelsea’s sights.
Well-respected journalist Simon Phillips has claimed via Substack this week that Chelsea have ‘heavily’ scouted Brest defender Locko.
It is understood that the 21-year-old’s managed to impress and Chelsea’s decision makers agree they’d like to try bring him to Stamford Bridge this summer.
In addition, Simon Phillips explains that the French youngster has now emerged at the top of their left-back shortlist.
However, he notes that Premier League rivals West Ham are one of several clubs also interested in Brest’s highly-rated full-back.
It’s a significant update from when Simon Phillips shared on Substack last week that Chelsea were closely watching Locko.
Chelsea dilemma at LB
We think the left-back position is one of the most interesting areas at Chelsea going into this summer.
Cucurella and Chilwell both have their moments as top players, but can you really trust either long-term due to inconsistent form or injury problems?
Malo Gusto was getting rave reviews in French football with Lyon before joining Chelsea last year, which has turned out to be a masterstroke. Could the Blues now repeat the same trick with Locko?
Aside from the Brest star, Chelsea have also been linked with a different left-back that has a glowing track record in the Premier League.
Simon Phillips previously mentioned on Substack that Chelsea do like Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri.