Chelsea are expected to undergo mass change to the first team squad again when the season ends and the summer transfer window opens.
The Blues have already been hard at work to bring in a number of young talents, with deals for Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo already being confirmed.
The club are expected to ‘go big’ in the transfer market in order to fill a number of voids that have become apparent in the side in Enzo Maresca’s first season in charge.
One of those positions is defence, with it becoming clear that a mix of injuries and capabilities have been holding them back this season.
Photo by YAGIZ GURTUG/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by YAGIZ GURTUG/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images
Chelsea send scouts to watch Yusuf Akcicek
The likes of Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile have been missing for large portions of the campaign due to their injury woes, and Trevoh Chalobah is expected to leave the club despite being recalled from his loan in January.
One player who has emerged as a candidate on the shortlist is Yusuf Akcicek, who has impressed greatly in the early stages of his career at Fenerbache.
After starting the campaign off with the Under 19s, he has become a regular in the first team squad, particularly in Europe before they were knocked out of the Europa League.
According to ‘Turkish Football’, the Blues have sent scouts to watch Akcicek lately as they weigh up whether to make a bid to sign the talented teenager.
Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images
Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images
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Jose Mourinho a huge fan of Akcicek
Current Fenerbache manager and Chelsea legend Jose Mourinho is the man who handed the youngster his first appearance for the first team, and has been quick to praise him.
As per Transfermarkt, the Portuguese manager said: “I don’t want to compare him to Rapha Varane because he has won four Champions Leagues, World Cup and won everything.
“But I had Rapha Varane when he was 18 and I was not wrong. And I am not wrong with this kid. (He has a) big personality and is very confident.”
It is clear that the Blues are keen to bring in young talents, and Akcicek would certainly fit that criteria for promising players.