Chelsea could possibly hand Premier League rivals Arsenal a blow in their pursuit of Crystal Palace Wilfried Zaha with the signing of Borussia Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko.
The Blues reportedly entered the race for Dortmund's prodigy forward last week after missing out on 16-year-old Emerick to Real Madrid. Moukoko, 18, has become a key member of Die Borussen's squad over the last couple of seasons after scoring 90 goals in 56 appearances for the Under-17s and 47 in 25 at Under-19s level.
Moukoko was taken to the World Cup just days after his 18th birthday and made his first international appearance in Germany's pre-tournament friendly against Oman, as well as coming on the pitch briefly in Qatar before his side crashed out in the group stage.
READ MORE: Chelsea 'enter race' to sign young Borussia Dortmund star
With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Chelsea are attempting to beat competition from elsewhere and are considering opening talks over a pre-contract agreement. The Secret Scout reported that the west Londoners want to tie him down to a five-year deal.
And as we approach the January transfer window, Bild journalist Christian Falk has provided an update on the future of the 18-year-old and it could affect Mikel Arteta and Arsenal. Writing on Twitter, he said: "TRUE. If Youssoufa Moukoko (18) will sign for summer Chelsea, Dortmund is interested in Wilfried Zaha (30)."
Zaha has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for a number of years and looks likely to leave Palace at the end of his current contract. Reports from the Daily Mail insist the Ivory Coast international could reject a new contract at Selhurst Park and leave the club next month.
However, should Todd Boehly secure the services of Moukoko and Dortmund themselves agree to sign Zaha on a free transfer in June, it would leave the Gunners empty handed and forced to look elsewhere.
READ NEXT:
Chelsea prepare Real Madrid raid for bargain free transfer as Todd Boehly eyes Thiago Silva heir
Croatia and Mateo Kovacic aim to repeat Lionel Messi plan to avoid key Zinedine Zidane mistake
Todd Boehly 'close' to completing first Chelsea January transfer amid Armando Broja injury
Reece James sends Graham Potter message after Aston Villa as Chelsea transfer priority emerges
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
