Chelsea could have the chance to sign a player who dreams of emulating club legend Didier Drogba in the summer. Maxwel Cornet has frequently been one of Burnley's brightest sparks this season but will be allowed to leave on a cut-price deal if Mike Jackson's side are relegated next weekend.
The Clarets slipped back into the relegation places over the weekend thanks to Leeds grabbing a last gasp equaliser against Brighton at Elland Road. They will have another chance to climb out of the drop zone on Thursday when they make the trip to face Aston Villa in the West Midlands.
Cornet's side were beaten 1-0 by Tottenham in north London on Saturday lunchtime with a controversial Harry Kane penalty the difference. Cornet himself missed a golden chance to get his side back into the game but was denied by Hugo Lloris.
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Nevertheless, it has been a solid debut campaign in England for the 25-year-old, who has scored eight goals in 24 Premier League appearances. A report from The Athletic on Monday revealed that although Burnley may be playing in the Championship next season, that may not be the case for Cornet.
According to the report, a £17.5 million release clause will become active in the Ivory Coast international's contract should they drop out of the top flight. It would give a number of clubs a cut-price option in the summer and hand Thomas Tuchel the chance to sign a player who has dreamed of emulating his compatriot Drogba.
"I watched Chelsea a lot because my idol played there – Didier Drogba," Cornet said in an interview with Sky Sports shortly after signing for Burnley shortly before their trip to Stamford Bridge. "He has done a lot for me. [He told me] I have to work hard in the week, recover and play hard again, every week."
