Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is reportedly interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen starlet Francis Onyeka.
The 17-year-old is catching the eye of plenty of top European clubs currently despite failing to make a competitive first-team appearance so far at the BayArena.
That being said, Onyeka made the matchday squad twice in the Bundesliga in January, while also making the bench for the DFB Pokal trip to Carl Zeiss Jena on August 28.
With a powerful and tall frame, the youngster is able to operate in midfield, attacking midfield and on the flanks, with his versatility a key strength.
Onyeka also possesses relative international pedigree, having represented Germany's Under-17s side on six occasions since October 2023, scoring five goals.
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Chelsea boss Maresca keen on Leverkusen's Onyeka
According to FootballTransfers, Bayer Leverkusen prospect Onyeka could be heading towards a high-profile Premier League switch in the near future.
The report claims that English big spenders Chelsea are currently scouting the 17-year-old, who is yet to breakthrough into Xabi Alonso's first-team plans.
It is understood that head coach Maresca instructed his current employers to monitor the progress of Onyeka, with a view to a potential swoop in 2025.
The Italian allegedly had scouts watching the German during the 2023-24, while Maresca was fighting for Championship promotion with Leicester City.
Without the financial firepower to compete with elite European clubs in the transfer market, Bayer Leverkusen are keen to promote their own young talent and will supposedly fight hard to retain the services of Onyeka.
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Tottenham interest makes sense
As well as the West London Blues, it is said that Tottenham Hotspur are interested in sealing the services of Leverkusen's Onyeka in the future.
The Lilywhites have focused a large section of their 2024 transfer dealings on young talent, with Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall joining from Leeds United and Djurgardens IF respectively.
Into his second campaign in charge at the club, Ange Postecoglou is clearly looking to build a team that can compete for trophies for many years to come.
Courtesy of a fifth-placed finish under the Australian in the Premier League last season, Spurs will commence their Europa League journey as Qarabag FK to come to town on Thursday night.
Carter White
