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Report: Chelsea could make £44m bid for 'generational talent' in January before sending him to Strasbourg

Chelsea have some of the most talented young players in the world right now, including the likes of Estevao Willian and Mike Penders.

Penders is currently on loan at Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg, but Estevao is part of Enzo Maresca’s first-team group and is shining in west London.

Which Chelsea loanee at Strasbourg has the most potential? ⭐️

Kendry Paez won Ligue 1 Young Player of the Month for September 👏

Could it be him?

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The winger missed Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle United on Saturday, but he has managed to make a real impact at Stamford Bridge this season.

It now looks like Estevao could be joined by another exceptional talent at the club.

Calvin Verdonk, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Benjamin Andre of Lille OSC during match

Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images

Chelsea could make £44m bid for Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi

According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea could make an offer of up to €50m (£43.7m) for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi in the January transfer window.

The outlet’s report, which has described Bouaddi as a “generational talent”, claims that the Blues could then loan the 18-year-old to Strasbourg.

Lille’s preference is to keep hold of Bouaddi this winter, but their stance will be tested if Chelsea or any other club make a bid for him.

As well as the Club World Cup winners, Premier League rivals Manchester United are also thought to be keen on the French youngster.

Chelsea already have a lot of talent in midfield, but Romeo Lavia continues to struggle with injuries.

Calvin Verdonk, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Benjamin Andre of Lille OSC during match

Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images

Ayyoub Bouaddi’s stats this season

Despite being so young, Bouaddi has been a key player for Lille in the current campaign. He has made 14 appearances in Ligue 1, missing just two games because of suspension.

Bouaddi is yet to score a goal for Bruno Genesio’s side, but he has managed to register one assist.

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Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton have both been mentioned 👀

Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia preparing a pass and Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo jogging

Credit: Shaun Brooks – CameraSport/Catherine Ivill – AMA via Getty Images

👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say

According to WhoScored, the France Under-21 international is making 1.5 tackles per game, which is one of the highest averages in Lille’s squad.

Bouaddi is on the right trajectory. A move to Chelsea could harm his development unless he goes on loan to Strasbourg or another club, which appears to be the plan. Bouaddi is certainly a name to keep an eye on.

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