Chelsea scouts were in attendance last night to watch one of the club’s summer targets in action.
Apparently, Blues representatives went to a European knockout tie to cast their eye over a defensive target.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side have had huge trouble with their defence this season, conceding 52 goals in 30 league games so far. Therefore, it’s no major surprise that Chelsea are linked with the signing of a new central defender this summer.
Journalist Ben Jacobs said via GiveMeSport recently that Chelsea have always been planning to sign a new centre-half this summer.
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Chelsea scout defensive target last night
Lille youngster Leny Yoro, who’s aged just 18, is the defender linked with Chelsea.
He played 90 minutes last night during Lille’s 2-1 away defeat to Aston Villa in the first leg of a Europa Conference League quarter-final.
HITC has claimed that Chelsea and Arsenal both had representatives at Villa Park on Thursday night focused on Leny Yoro.
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It is explained that both London clubs have extensively watched the teenage centre-back this season, but they took the chance to watch him against Premier League opposition.
The report adds that Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle United have also watched the Ligue 1 breakout star closely this term. Plus, Spanish giants Real Madrid admire the Lille youngster, with the player keen on playing for them.
Read below how FotMob data rated Yoro’s individual performance against Aston Villa.
| Match rating | 6.2 |
| Accurate passes | 58/62 (94%) |
| Accurate long balls | 3/5 (60%) |
| Tackles won | 1/1 (100%) |
| Clearances | 3 |
| Headed clearances | 3 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Recoveries | 3 |
Leny Yoro valued at £85m
As per Marca last month, Lille value Yoro at a massive €100 million (£85m).
So, should Chelsea really go chasing another really expensive youngster?
The athletic defender does look mature beyond his years and he’s caught the eye in 38 first-team appearance this season.
But our warning to the Blues is their next defensive signing should really be someone with more experience to guide this young group.
