CHELSEA TARGET LEMAR

CHELSEA are lining up a sensational player plus cash deal for £80million-rated Monaco star Thomas Lemar.

They are willing to swap Belgium striker Michy Batshuayi as part of the deal, although it may be a loan to get it over the line in January.

Talks are being driven by Monaco’s former Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo, who is trying to drive the best agreement.

Arsenal and Liverpool have also been chasing Lemar (above), with the Gunners having an offer turned down in August.

Arsenal fear they have now been priced out of a move for Lemar, 22, because

the France international can command a mega-contract, bigger than the one they offered him in summer.

Liverpool are still keen, but Chelsea hope to get a deal done in January, which may give them the edge over Jurgen Klopp.

Batshuayi has struggled to settle at Stamford Bridge and was still on the bench when first-choice striker Alvaro Morata missed Tuesday’s win at Huddersfield.

Conte is desperate to strengthen his squad and has been putting pressure on the board to make significant signings.