Blues join chase for outstanding defender.
Chelsea could be set to rival Manchester United for the signing of Athletic Bilbao’s outstanding young defender Aymeric Laporte, according to Spanish source Fichajes.net.
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The 20-year-old is considered one of the most promising young centre-backs in Europe at the moment after his superb performances in the Bilbao first-team in the last couple of years.
Arsenal have also been mentioned as possible suitors for the talented Frenchman, who has a release clause of £31.5m at the Basque outfit, which Chelsea may now be ready to meet.
The Blues spent big on some superb new signings during the summer, bringing in the likes of Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas from Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, respectively, to boost their title hopes, and Laporte could be another smart raid on La Liga.
Jose Mourinho will be in need of a long-term replacement for John Terry at the back, and Laporte looks the man ready to come in and be one of the world’s best central defenders for many years to come.
Chelsea already have another promising French youngster in Kurt Zouma in defence, and Laporte may be tempted to join his fellow countryman in developing his career at Stamford Bridge.