Chelsea scouting Bundesliga youngster

Chelsea will face one of their toughest tests of the season so far when they host Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday. 

The Blues cruised to a 5-0 win over League Two leaders Barrow in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday, setting up a fourth round tie against either AFC Wimbledon or Newcastle United.

Enzo Maresca has enjoyed a relatively impressive start to life as head coach at Chelsea, winning three and drawing one of his four Premier League games since an opening weekend defeat against Manchester City.

With a tougher run of fixtures now ahead, Maresca will be keen to assess how strong his side are at this stage of the campaign.

Off the pitch, Chelsea are reportedly chasing a highly-rated Bundesliga teenager.

Football Transfers claims that the West London side have been scouting Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Francis Onyeka.

Maresca was an admirer of Onyeka during his time at Leicester

The 17-year-old is regarded as one of the most talented young player in the German top flight, and Maresca is said to have identified him as a potential target.

Onyeka is a product of Leverkusen’s fruitful youth academy and has played for Germany at Under-18 level.

The report reveals that Maresca is a long-term admirer of the midfielder, having instructed scouts to watch the player in action during his time in charge at Leicester City.

As well as Chelsea, fellow London side Tottenham Hotspur are also among the Premier League sides to have shown interest in Onyeka, the report claims.

Onyeka’s versatility could appeal to Maresca, with the German capable of playing in a number of midfield roles as well as on the left flank.

The teenager’s current contract with Leverkusen is set to expire in the summer of 2027.