CHELSEA are leading a trio of Premier League clubs in the race to sign Lorient midfielder Arthur Avom this summer.
The 2004-born midfielder is a rising star in French , with , , and scouts regularly attending his games throughout the season.
French Ligue 2 side Lorient are keen to tie him down to a long-term deal, with his current contract reportedly expiring this .
However, with Chelsea aiming to become a hot bed for Europe’s top young talents, Avom is reportedly in no rush to sign an extension.
He will listen to all offers and will make a decision on his in the summer.
Lorient have a strategic partnership with and believe that the 20-year-old could make the move to the Premier League in a similar deal to the one that took to the Vitality Stadium.
West Ham are also interested, with manager determined to rebuild a midfield that has disappointed massively this season.
Aston Villa meanwhile will have European football season and wants to strengthen.
The Aston Villa manager played a key role in developing during his early days at and has also set his sights on convincing the talented midfielder to come to Villa Park.
Avom, a Cameroonian international, is often compared to Ivorian legend .
He is blessed with superb technique, a powerful shot, and remarkable stamina, allowing him to play effectively as either a central or box-to-box midfielder.
This season, he has featured in thirty league games, quickly establishing himself as one of the first names on Olivier Pantaloni’s team sheet.
SunSport understands that Chelsea’s interest is focused on signing Avom and then loaning him to their sister club, Strasbourg.
It remains to be seen, however, whether the midfielder prefers a move that brings him straight to the Premier League or one that keeps him in France a little while longer.
