Chelsea: Fans approve reports linking them with Ligue 1 full-back Youcef Atal

Chelsea fans are approving reports that have linked them with a move for Ligue 1 full-back Youcef Atal, even though it could be bad news for Reece James.

According to 90min, the Blues are among a host of European clubs linked with a move for the OGC Nice man, with London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal also interested. The player is thought to be valued at around £34.6m; however, that figure could well rise.

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Atal has shown brilliant levels of versatility having featured at both right-wing and right back for Patrick Vieira’s side over the course of this season.

The links with the 23-year-old are somewhat surprising, as Reece James has thrived in his time at right-back, having won all 10 of the 12 games he has featured in on the right-side of defence for Frank Lampard’s side (via Transfermarkt).

Fans were excited by the links with the player as they took to Twitter to react, despite the fact that it could mean stifling James’ development.

Here is a selection of tweets from the west London faithful:

Yes Please!!!!!

— Durry (@bridgenation10) November 26, 2019

@ChelseaFC plz make it happen

— Sakif Alam (@alam_sakif) November 26, 2019

If he were to join, would play Left back, which I think he could easy do with his amazing weak foot, but I don’t think he is a world class full back like we need to replace Alonso and Emerson.

— ICookedYourCat (@XiteElement) November 26, 2019