Chelsea open talks to sign Said Benrahma

Chelsea have made an approach to sign Brentford winger Said Benrahma, according to reports in Algeria.

The 24-year-old has been one of the standout players in the Championship this season with 10 goals and eight assists.

Arsenal and Leicester City have already been linked with a move for the midfielder, who has been a key part of Brentford’s push to secure a Championship play-off place this term.

According to Algeria’s La Gazette du Fennec, Chelsea have joined the race for Benrahma and have ‘accelerated’ their push to land the winger ahead of their Premier League rivals.

The report claims that Chelsea have held direct talks with the Algeria international and are aiming to bring him to Stamford Bridge in the next transfer window.

Last year, Aston Villa had a £14 million bid for Benrahma rejected by Brentford.

And the Championship club remain in a strong negotiating position as Benrahma’s contract still has two seasons left to run, with the option of a further year.

Speaking about his future last month, Benrahma told Algeria’s Le Buteur: ‘I can not complain.

‘I am now focused on my club in Brentford after it makes me happy that upscale Premier League clubs are behind me.

‘I have a contract with Brentford and I have to honour them properly.’

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