Chelsea have reportedly identified Barcelona winger Abde Ezzalzouli as a potential future transfer target.
Having just purchased another eight players during the January transfer window, Chelsea's first-team squad is now overflowing with options in most areas of the pitch.
Given the demands of FFP and needing to retain harmony within the group, the Blues will realistically have to facilitate numerous departures before they can entertain more significant arrivals at Stamford Bridge.
Nevertheless, that is unlikely to prevent the club's owners from wanting to be proactive for the third transfer window in succession ahead of 2022-23.
The additions of central midfielders and at least one central forward are likely to be at the top of agenda, with Chelsea well stocked for creative players.
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However, according to reports in Spain, figures behind the scenes at Chelsea have been left impressed by Ezzalzouli.
The 21-year-old has just played a part in Morocco's famous World Cup campaign, making three substitute outings as the Atlas Lions reached the semi-finals.
Furthermore, Ezzalzouli has been receiving regular senior action for the first time in his career at on loan at Osasuna, particularly since returning from Qatar.
A total of eight starts and six substitute outings have been made in La Liga, while he recently got on the scoresheet during a Copa del Rey triumph over Sevilla.
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From Osasuna's perspective, it has been claimed that they wish to retain the services of Ezzalzouli, but they do not possess a buy option in their agreement with Barcelona.
The report also adds that Xavi would prefer for Barcelona to not entertain offers for the playmaker, who made 12 outings for the Catalan giants during 2021-22.
Ezzalzouli still possesses a contract until 2026, leaving Barcelona under no pressure to sell unless they receive a lucrative offer for the attacker.
That, in theory, could arrive from Chelsea given their previous aggressive approach to the transfer market, but it appears more likely that Ezzalzouli will try to make an impact at Camp Nou next season.
Darren Plant
