Chelsea ‘Favourites’ to Sign 20-year-old Midfielder This Summer – Report | OneFootball

Chelsea Target Ligue 2 Star Arthur Avom in Summer Transfer Chase

Chelsea are once again looking to dip into Europe’s talent pool in pursuit of long-term midfield reinforcement—and this time, attention is turning to Ligue 2 breakout star Arthur Avom. According to The Mirror, the 20-year-old Lorient midfielder has become a primary target for the Blues ahead of what promises to be a defining transfer window under new boss Enzo Maresca.

Avom’s Rise to Prominence

Arthur Avom has enjoyed a stellar breakthrough campaign in France’s second tier, playing a key role in Lorient’s bid for promotion. With 32 appearances, two goals, and five assists to his name, the Cameroon international has been a dynamic presence in midfield—drawing comparisons to Manchester City legend Yaya Touré.

“Avom has featured 32 times this year in what is his first campaign in senior football,” The Mirror reports, further noting that the youngster has helped “Lorient to the top of the table, where they sit three points ahead of closest challengers Paris FC heading into the final two games of the season.”

Photo: IMAGO

That success hasn’t gone unnoticed. Scouts from Chelsea, West Ham and Aston Villa have reportedly been monitoring his progress throughout the season, with Chelsea currently leading the race for his signature.

Chelsea’s Strategic Interest

Chelsea’s interest in Avom fits their recent strategy of signing promising young players with an eye on future development. Importantly, the west London club’s ownership model allows them to loan players to sister clubs like Strasbourg, a move that’s already being planned should a deal materialise.

“It is claimed that Avom is ready to listen to all offers and will make a decision on his future later this summer,” the original article states. “Chelsea’s plan would be to immediately loan Avom out to sister club Strasbourg in Ligue 1 if they signed him.”

That may provide a competitive advantage over clubs like West Ham, who reportedly want Avom in their senior squad right away. Strasbourg, meanwhile, are currently pushing for a European spot under manager Liam Rosenior, making it a compelling loan destination for any young player looking to test himself at a higher level.

Other Suitors in the Mix

Chelsea won’t have it easy, though. Unai Emery’s Aston Villa are said to be serious contenders, with their ability to offer European football next season potentially swaying the player. Emery has a strong record when it comes to developing emerging talent, which could resonate with Avom and his representatives.

Villa “will certainly be able to offer the chance to feature in European competition,” The Mirror writes, and Emery has reportedly “set his sights on convincing Avom to come to Villa Park.”

Meanwhile, West Ham are positioning themselves as a club that can offer Avom immediate integration into Premier League football. For a player with only one year left on his current contract, these options are likely to intensify over the coming weeks as Lorient brace themselves for summer bids.

Maresca’s Cautious Approach

Chelsea’s transfer dealings may hinge on the outcome of their season, especially with UEFA’s financial regulations tightening. “Today, football is not like five or ten years ago when the rules were different,” Maresca recently admitted. “You have to be careful how much you spend because you can be banned [from competitions] or not in the right place.”

That financial caution could mean Chelsea will focus on value signings with long-term upside—making someone like Avom an ideal profile.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Chelsea supporter’s perspective, the idea of landing Arthur Avom ahead of Premier League rivals is both promising and smart business. Enzo Maresca’s appointment signals a change in tactical identity and philosophy, and Avom’s physicality and technical blend could be a perfect fit in the Italian’s possession-heavy setup.

Ligue 2 might seem a far cry from the Premier League, but history tells us that hidden gems often emerge from the lower tiers. At just 20, Avom has already shown maturity and consistency across a full campaign, and comparisons to Yaya Touré—while lofty—point to his game-changing potential.

What’s particularly encouraging is Chelsea’s reported intention to loan him to Strasbourg. It’s a sign of a more patient, process-driven development model, rather than expecting immediate returns. Strasbourg’s pursuit of European qualification means Avom would gain high-level experience quickly, making a future transition to the Chelsea first team more realistic.

With a midfield overhaul looming—especially with Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo under heavy workloads—injecting fresh talent like Avom could give Chelsea more depth and flexibility. And if Maresca is truly looking to build for the long term, this is the type of calculated risk worth taking.