Chelsea to hijack Tottenham move for Jonathan Ikone
According to a report from French publication L’Equipe (h/t Express), Chelsea have joined Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United in the race to sign Lille attacking midfielder Jonathan Ikone in the summer transfer window.
Ikone came through the youth ranks at PSG and had multiple loan spells away at Montpellier. He joined Lille permanently in 2018. Since moving to the club, the Frenchman has grown into a key player, accumulating 77 appearances, in which he has seven goals and seventeen assists.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a decent 2019/20 season, finishing with four goals and seven assists from 36 appearances across all competitions, helping Lille to a fourth place finish in Ligue 1. A central attacking midfielder by trade, Ikone can play on either flanks, while he has, on occasion, been used in a centre-forward role as well.
Tottenham had reportedly made an enquiry for the services of Ikone, but now face competition from London rivals Chelsea in the race for the French international. (h/t Express)
Having lost Christian Eriksen in January to Inter Milan, Tottenham could most certainly use another attacking midfielder. More so considering that Dele Alli has endured an indifferent season. Giovani Lo Celso, too, hasn’t contributed a great deal in terms of goals and assists.
Chelsea’s entry into the scene, though does complicate matters. The Blues will most likely be able to offer better wages as well as Champions League football.
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