Chelsea ‘make offer for Borussia Dortmund starlet Youssoufa Moukoko to fight off Barcelona interest’

Chelsea have reportedly made an offer for Borussia Dortmund starlet Youssoufa Moukoko – in an attempt to beat Barcelona to the signing of the forward. 

Moukoko, 18, is one of the hottest young talents in Europe having impressed since making his first team breakthrough at the age of just 16 at Dortmund in 2020.

He has since scored 11 times in 59 appearances for the German giants, while he also featured for Germany once in their dismal World Cup campaign in Qatar as Hansi Flick’s side crashed out in the group stage.

Chelsea have reportedly made an £8.6m offer for Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Youssoufa Moukoko as they aim to beat off rival interest in the German forward

The forward has just six months remaining on his deal at Signal Iduna Park and Sportsmail has previously reported that Graham Potter’s side are keen on the wonderkid.

And, according to Spanish outlet SPORT, Chelsea have launched a bid to sign Moukoko in January in order to beat off competition from several other clubs when he could become a free agent in the summer.

The report states Barcelona were keen on acquiring the forward for free in the summer, but Chelsea’s willingness to pay a transfer fee has impacted their hopes of acquiring the 18-year-old, with the Catalan side still needing to satisfy various LaLiga Financial Fair Play measures.

Dortmund would be content with selling Moukoko in January if they are unable to convince him to sign a new deal – which they have failed to do so far – so they can recoup some sort of financial reward having played a key role in his development.

Moukoko was part of Germany’s squad for their dismal World Cup campaign in Qatar

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The forward revealed this week he would not be rushed into making a decision on his future, but would rather look at where he would play regularly along with the most attractive sporting project.

Dortmund’s attempts to convince him to extend his stay in Germany have so far been insufficient, with Moukoko’s offers from elsewhere far exceeding their proposed salary.

However, an option could emerge where the forward renews in order to not halt his progress, but his new deal would have a relatively low release clause so his career path would not be impacted. 

Barcelona have reportedly spoken with Moukoko’s entourage about a move, with the forward a big fan of the Spanish giants and keen with a potential transfer to the Camp Nou.

Graham Potter and Xavi’s sides are the two clubs who are reportedly most keen on Moukoko

However, financial limitations have meant Chelsea have made their reported move now to ensure they can seal the transfer.

The Blues offer is in the region of £8.6m despite the fact they could pick him up as a free agent in the summer – but Barcelona’s financial situation mean they are unable to make a similar move.

Reports also state Barcelona are weighing up their options, with Xavi’s outfit insistent they will not break their salary structure to bring in Moukoko.

They also believe that if they do not sign him, the forward would renew his deal with Dortmund, rather than move to Chelsea.