Chelsea are confident of landing Ligue 1 prodigies Ayyoub Bouaddi (18, Lille midfielder) and Brian Madjo (16, Metz striker) with long-term deals, continuing their elite youth strategy behind successes like Estevao Willian, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Cole Palmer.
Bouaddi, extensively scouted by Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and PSG, faces a crowded race but Chelsea's Strasbourg pathway offers Ligue 1 seasoning before Premier League jump. Madjo ranks high in their plans as Enzo Maresca's side transforms.
Chelsea's long contracts provide edge, though Bouaddi's first-team Lille minutes might tempt him toward United's potential pathway.
Last season, Bouaddi featured in 24 Ligue 1 appearances, contributing one assist.