Another Nigerian set to join Chelsea as they are are looking to open a deal with Stade Rennais bound Lesley Ugochukwu.

Another Nigerian set to join Chelsea as they are are looking to open a deal with Stade Rennais bound Lesley Ugochukwu.

L’Équipe have revealed that Chelsea FC are in negotiations with Stade Rennais over the signing of 19-year-old Lesley Ugochukwu.

Ugochukwu started just 14 Ligue 1 games last season and found game time difficult to come by in the latter part of the season.

L’Équipe revealed in June that the France youth international was attracting Premier League interest. Whilst West Ham United are interested in Ugochukwu, it is Chelsea who have opened negotiations with Rennes.

According to L’Équipe, Chelsea have been in discussions for about 10 days for the midfielder, whose contract with the Ligue 1 club runs until the summer of 2025. Chelsea are looking to strengthen their midfield following a spate of departures in this area of the pitch.

Jorginho left in January, whilst Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have all left in the current transfer window. Depth, as well as quality are needing to be added to Chelsea’s midfield.

The Stamford Bridge club are still pushing for the arrival of Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, although negotiations are proving difficult.