Ex-Chelsea coach says World Cup forward has ‘practically’ joined the Blues

Chelsea will look to build on their biggest Premier League win of the season when they travel to face unbeaten Everton on Saturday lunchtime.

Xabi Alonso’s men swept Bournemouth aside 5-1 at Stamford Bridge last weekend, with Joao Pedro and Jordan Henderson both scoring twice, while Morgan Rogers also found the net as Chelsea climbed back into the European places.

The Blues now head to the Hill Dickinson Stadium level with Everton on ten points after six games.

David Moyes’ men sit fifth, one place above Chelsea on goal difference, and are yet to lose in the league this season.

Everton drew 2-2 at Hull City last time out, but Chelsea have won only once on their previous nine league visits to the Toffees and failed to score in seven of those matches.

Alonso must also cope without Reece James after the Chelsea captain underwent surgery on a knee injury suffered in training.

Jamie Gittens and Emmanuel Emegha are unavailable too, although the return of Moisés Caicedo has brought much-needed authority back to midfield.

Palmer, Rogers and Joao Pedro still give Chelsea serious attacking quality.

Away from Saturday’s game, a striking claim has emerged about another young attacker who could eventually make his way to west London.

Chelsea handed major Gessime Yassine transfer claim before Everton clash

Former Chelsea goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon has suggested that Gessime Yassine is already effectively bound for the Blues through Strasbourg.

Speaking to Ouest France about Dunkirk’s ability to discover and develop players, Lollichon said:

It is a significant comment given the close relationship between Chelsea and Strasbourg, who are both controlled by BlueCo.

The two clubs have already moved several prospects between them, and that route allows young players to gain regular senior football in France before Chelsea decide whether they are ready for the Premier League.

Yassine joined Strasbourg from Dunkirk in January, signing a four year contract until 2030.

The 20-year-old is a left-footed right-winger who enjoys running at defenders, creating chances and moving inside towards goal.

His reputation grew further during the summer when he represented Morocco at the World Cup, and Yassine scored the final goal in their 4-2 group stage victory over Haiti.

Chelsea already possess several gifted young wide players, including Estevao and Geovany Quenda, but their recruitment model has never been focused only on immediate first team needs.

Yassine fits the profile BlueCo regularly target — young, technically exciting, already tested in a major European league and has international experience at the highest level.

However, Chelsea’s immediate job is to overcome an Everton side that has made an excellent start and turn last weekend’s goal rush into lasting momentum.