Chelsea have one of the biggest squads not just in England but also in Europe as they have had at least 35 players out on loan in the last couple of seasons. The new manager Antonio Conte however, is ready to make a few changes to the system and has already allowed a few players to leave on a permanent basis this summer.
He will also do his best to improve the Academy at the club and has been looking at a few youngsters who have what it takes to be successful at the highest level and the latest such player linked with a move to the Stamford Bridge is Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla.
According to a story run by ESPN, a source close to the player has revealed that Chelsea have kept a close eye on his situation and are interested in signing him this summer. It is understood that club legend Didier Drogba first alerted the Blues of Tabla and it looks like Conte is going ahead with this deal in the upcoming days.
Born and brought up in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, the 18-year old started his youth career at Montreal Impact, breaking into FC Montreal, the then reserve side for the former. After less than a season there, Tabla moved back to Impact, picking up two goals and an assist in the MLS last season.
Capable of playing in any of the roles behind the striker, Tabla is a versatile attacker who is showing great promise in the MLS in recent times. He has represented Canada in the U17 and the U20 levels and is slowly establishing himself as one of the most exciting wingers in world football at the moment.
Known for his mesmerising dribbling abilities and a thunderous shot, the 18-year old is a hard-working player who loves to give his everything in every game. He loves to track back and defend, even when playing as a genuine winger and though he is not strong, has enough technical ability to thrive in the competitive Premier League.
He is a bit wasteful with his passing but he has all the attributes to make him a success in the Premier League and Conte is not interested in letting this chance go by. At just 18, he is already making waves in Europe and though he is not a first team option in the upcoming years, he has great future and Chelsea will hope that it is with their club.
