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Jake Stokes

Why Amadou Onana can play for Chelsea if Todd Boehly completes transfer despite Lille confusion

Sections of the Chelsea fanbase are confused as to why Todd Boehly is exploring a deal to sign Everton star Amadou Onana. Not that they doubt the 21-year-old's ability to bolster Graham Potter's midfield but because the Belgian would be joining his third club of the season.

According to The Telegraph, the Blues have shown an interest in Onana ahead of what is set to be a busy end to the January transfer window. It's said that the west Londoners are 'considering whether or not to try and take advantage' of the ensuing crisis at Everton amid the rumoured sacking of Frank Lampard.

The former Blues player has reportedly been dismissed from his position as head coach at Goodison Park, with the Toffees fighting to stay in the top-flight. Everton may sit in the Premier League relegation danger zone but Onana has impressed under Lampard.

READ MORE: Chelsea can seal Hakim Ziyech transfer on one condition as Todd Boehly plans to sell five stars

He's featured 18 times for the Toffees this season, directly contributing towards two goals. While a move for the Belgium international looks to be an attractive acquisition, some fans on social media have questioned whether Onana would be eligible for Chelsea this term if he were to join in January.

Despite popular belief, the midfielder has in fact not featured for Lille this season, meaning that he would be eligible to play for the Blues. If Boehly can wrap up a deal for Onana then the club could be signing the a player 'similar to Aurelien Tchouameni and Paul Pogba'.

Speaking on ESPN in the summer, French football expert Julien Laurens said: "This is a very, very talented player.

"He’s a very exciting player, a midfielder who can play pretty much all across the midfield. For me he’s a great box-to-box because he’s powerful, he’s good on the ball, he’s tall, he’s strong, he will drive the ball very well.

"He’s very much like a (Aurelien) Tchouameni, or a Paul Pogba, but he’s got more of a defensive mind as well, he can sit and play a little bit deeper as well, although you will lose a lot of his potential going forward if you restrict him to a more defensive position.

"I think he’s got all the qualities to play in English football. I think this is a league that’s made for him."

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