Chelsea re-linked with PSG’s Kays Ruiz-Atil, also monitoring Lucas Gourna-Douath

Chelsea’s interest in Paris Saint-Germain starlet Kays Ruiz-Atil dates back to last winter, but the Blues never making an actual move to sign the supposed “next Messi”. The youngster would instead go on to stay and make his breakthrough at Paris under Thomas Tuchel, featuring seven times in the league this season.

However, the situation has changed with Tuchel’s departure. The 18-year-old has not played a single minute under Mauricio Pochettino, and has only made the bench once. With his contract expiring in the summer, and seemingly unable to agree an extension with PSG, his future is very much up in the air.

Foot Mercato have named Chelsea as one of the favorites for his signature, which is no doubt helped by Tuchel’s presence. On the other hand, France Football (via Diario AS) are claiming Ruiz-Atil could return to his boyhood club, Barcelona in the summer. The report also notes Chelsea’s interest in the player, with Manchester City also expected to provide competition.

Chelsea have plenty of young midfield talent at our disposal (in the team, out loan, and in the Academy), but Ruiz-Atil could be an opportunistic signing to add even more potential to the team.

Another youngster on the radar is Lucas Gourna-Douath of Saint-Étienne. According to Mohamed Toubache-Ter, Chelsea, alongside RB Leipzig and one of the two Milanese clubs, have been keeping an eye on the 17-year-old midfielder’s progress — who is, of course, engaged in contract negotiations with his current club.

His current deal runs out in 2023, but it’s not commensurate with someone who’s made not only his senior debut this season, but has gone on to make 21 appearances in Ligue 1.