Chelsea Transfer News: Blues Must Chase Youri Tielemans Rumours with Summer Move

Anderlecht youngster Youri Tielemans has long been linked with a move to one of Europe's top clubs, and latest reports suggest Chelsea are in a race to ensnare his considerable talents this summer.

According to AS (h/t talkSPORT), Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has had the midfielder scouted on numerous occasions and has joined the Blues and Arsenal in pursuit of his services.

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Despite being only 17 years of age, Tielemans is already a prominent member of the Anderlecht lineup, and it seems only a matter of time until he makes the inevitable step up in his surroundings.

According to Kristof Terreur of Dutch newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws, Jose Mourinho has also looked for reports on the teenager's ability, seemingly intrigued in what's been said:

It's no revelation that Belgian football has produced a long line of superb talents in recent years, coinciding with the national team making a substantial move through the FIFA world rankings.

If the likes of Eden Hazard, Axel Witsel and Christian Benteke are examples of those at the forefront of this generations's stars, then Tielemans undoubtedly represents the very pinnacle of what the next generation has to offer.

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As such, it may be that this summer is Chelsea's chance to invest in his talent while it's cheap, talkSPORT writing that Anderlecht currently demand £10 million for his signature.

It's a steep sum to consider for someone so young, but as Eurosport illustrates, Tielemans is already showing all the signs of a player who will one day go on to compete among the world's finest:

Right now, his skill set as a defensive midfielder puts him among the best anchor men in Belgium's Jupiler Pro League, but he's swiftly adding more strings to his bow and becoming a more versatile asset day by day.

Mourinho currently relies on Nemanja Matic as his midfield linchpin, a player who left west London in his younger days only to be brought back last year. Per FourFourTwo, the Portuguese said he would "never, never" have sold the Serbian were he at the club's helm:

"

If I had been here—left-footed player, 1.95m tall—a midfield player like that would never, never leave. The club had Matic here but he left and two players came. I don't think it's fair to be critical. At that age it is good for the 'father' club to be protected, because sometimes the evolution of these players is good and sometimes bad.

It is important to keep control of the situation. So when you have a player you can loan and even sell him but you still have ways of being in control. Chelsea were brave in bringing him back. We wanted a midfield player, we had three or four on the table, but the best one was a player that I don't say Chelsea lost, but a player that was involved in a deal.

"

However, Matic won't be around forever, and as reliable as his partnership alongside Cesc Fabregas may be, Tielemans would represent a move of preparation.

As Chelsea manager, Mourinho isn't revered as the most prolific promoter of young talent, preferring to load his side with players closer to their primes.

However, Tielemans brings with him a wealth of top-flight experience, both in Belgium and the Champions League, already making 38 appearances across all competitions this season, per Transfermarkt.

He projects an air of maturity in all that he does, and after claiming Belgium's Young Player of the Year award in 2014, he was quoted by the Guardian's Paul Doyle as saying in November:

"

I like taking my responsibilities. The two little dips in form that I endured—one last season and then again in the early part of this season—have helped me grow up. You have to dare to impose yourself if you want to become great. I’ve always had the soul of a leader. Age is unimportant.

I used to score a lot in the youth team but for the seniors, I still have to find the right balance between my defensive work and by offensive contributions.

"

Hearing such a statement in no way lacking vindication shows a crucial aura of confidence; no teenager would succeed at Stamford Bridge if they were shy in contending alongside some of the world's elite names.

Admittedly, even with all that swagger, Tielemans wouldn't be guaranteed a place in Chelsea's squad and may have to spend time out on loan before establishing his name in England's capital.

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This past winter saw Stromsgodset prodigy Martin Odegaard move to Real Madrid, one of the most exciting young talents in world football already being tipped for huge things in future.

Fellow teen Tielemans may not be as glamorous in his work, but his potential is just as exciting, and Chelsea would be wise to raise their interest in a summer move ahead of their European peers.