Chelsea looks ready to make a move for the £25 million Frenchman amid West Ham in race
Chelsea, who are currently without a manager after Mauricio Pochettino left the Stamford Bridge dugout earlier this week, have identified Bradley Locko, a Frenchman from Brest, as a target ahead of the transfer market reopening for business in the coming weeks.
West Ham United are also keen on the Serie A star defender, as he gave impressive performances throughout this season. Chelsea seems to be taking notice of the 22-year-old, who has started 33 Ligue 1 games for Brest this season and recorded three assists.
Brest had a tremendous season in Ligue 1, finishing in third place and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. They had many notable performers during the campaign, including 22-year-old French full-back Bradley Locko.
Chelsea needs a new defender
Chelsea has been monitoring Locko since they are seriously debating whether to sign a new left-back to challenge Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella in the upcoming campaign.
Boehly’s chances of winning the battle to sign with the France under-23 international have increased after it was revealed that Brest has listed him for sale and is open to offers of up to £25 million. They believe they can make money off of his standout performances during the campaign.
Locko has been a Chelsea target as part of their preparations to bring in reinforcements because they believe he has a decent profile for a full-back in the Premier League and the contemporary ability to attack down the wing or switch to an inverted midfielder when in control.
Locko, acquired by Brest from Stade Reims last summer for a figure far less than £500,000, and they surely hope to make a tidy profit when he sells. Chelsea is one of the interested clubs, and several other Premier League teams have seen him play at various points in the season.
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Compared to other possible targets, Locko would also be less expensive for Chelsea because his current contract at Brest pays less than £9,000 per week, and it doesn’t expire until the summer of 2027. As a result, Locko would most likely not to pursue a lucrative pay package.