Report: Chelsea lead the race for Under-17 World Cup star, both Manchester clubs interested | OneFootball

Chelsea are working on a deal for Burkino Faso youngster Mohamed Zongo, but face competition from two Premier League clubs according to reports.

Signing the best young talent from around the world has been a key part of Chelsea’s transfer strategy under the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership.

The Blues have especially targeted South America, and have signed a number of youngsters from there, the most successful of which have arguably been Andrey Santos and Estevao.

Chelsea working on deal for Mohamed Zongo

Chelsea agreed a deal last month to sign centre back Deinner Ordonez, and the 16-year-old will join the club in January 2028.

However, it appears they have another 16-year-old on their radar, and Mail Sport have reported they are working on a deal for Zongo.

Zongo impressed for Burkino Faso at the Under-17 World Cup. (Photo: Lassina Sawadogo Officiel)

The report adds Zongo caught the eye of scouts at the recent Under-17 World Cup, with Manchester City and Manchester United also said to be interested.

Mail Sport state there’s European interest from Villarreal and Anderlecht, but Chelsea are considered the favourites for his signature.

Zongo is a an attacking midfielder and is part of the Tenakourou Academy in Burkino Faso, and he wasn’t the only player who caught Chelsea’s eye at the tournament, with the Blues also said to be interested in Felipe Morais.

Youth policy shows no signs of slowing down

Chelsea’s youth policy has been criticised heavily, but it doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon, and the club seem as committed to it as ever.

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Expect plenty more signings like Ordonez, as Chelsea continue to build for the future, but there is a genuine concern the Blues could be too focused on the future rather than the present.

There’s no doubt Chelsea look in a great position for the future, but the real question is whether enough is being done to be successful right now and push the team to the top of the table.