Chelsea 'eyeing deal for Italian teenager Simone Pafundi'

Udinese youngster Simone Pafundi has reportedly attracted the attention of Chelsea due to his performances in the youth system at his Italian club.

The 15-year-old has scored twice and registered three assists in seven appearances in Primavera 2a and Coppa Primavera during the 2021-22 campaign.

According to Tutto Udinese, scouts from Chelsea recently made the trip to Italy to monitor the youngster's performances, as he continues to impress at youth level.

The report claims that Pafundi has drawn comparisons with Paris Saint-Germain's Lionel Messi due to his 'movements and quality'.

The youngster is allegedly not currently interested in discussing a move away from Udinese, but the situation could change at the end of the season.

Chelsea are also reportedly considering a move for Paris Saint-Germain's Mauro Icardi, as the Blues prepare to bring another new forward to the club in 2022.