Chelsea aiming to steal top target from under Barcelona’s nose

Chelsea are readying an audacious swoop to sign Paris Saint Germain outcast Adrien Rabiot, according to French outlet L’Equipe.

The midfielder is widely expected to sign for Barcelona after it was made apparent he would no longer feature for the Ligue 1 leaders owing to a contract dispute, but Chelsea are prepared to rival the Spanish champions for his signature.

The Blues are actively searching for midfield reinforcements following the departure of Cesc Fabregas for Monaco and could yet make an approach to Rabiot, who seemingly had his heart set on a switch to Camp Nou.

Whether or not the London club can sway the 23-year-old remains to be seen, but they appear willing to at least make an attempt to do so, with no agreement finalised with Barca as things stand.

Rabbit hasn’t started a match for Thomas Tuchel’s side since the beginning of December and his desire to match the club’s highest earners has ruffled feathers with the Parisian outfit.

The France international, who missed the cut for the World Cup squad last summer, has started 12 of 14 league appearances this season, scoring twice and completing an outstanding 93.1 per cent of his passes for an impressive rating of 7.31.