Chelsea and Liverpool keeping tabs on 19-year-old Ligue 1 breakout star: Reports

Liverpool and Chelsea have set their sights on Nathan Zeze, according to TBR Football. The 19-year-old defender has caught the eye with Nantes this season, registering six appearances, all of which have been starts.

A lot of talented young footballers have made the jump from Ligue 1 to the Premier League in recent times, including Leny Yoro. The highly rated 18-year-old joined Manchester United from Lille this summer.

Zeze has already generated interest from England thanks to his assured start to the season. Chelsea and Liverpool are already hot on his heels, while Arsenal and West Ham United are also monitoring the youngster.

The Reds are looking for a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk, whose contract at Anfield expires at the end of this season. The Dutchman is already on the wrong side of 30 and Zeze has been identified as an option to fill his shoes at Anfield.

However, interest from the Blues could spell trouble for Liverpool. The London giants have splashed the cash on talented young footballers in recent times and the Frenchman fits the bill.

Chelsea sighed Tosin Adarabioyo on a Bosman move this summer to replace the outgoing Thiago Silva. However, with Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile linked with exits, the club are now eyeing further reinforcements at the back.

The two English clubs have already scouted the Frenchman in recent weeks. Zeze is under contract with Nantes until 2028, and could be available for £17m.

---

Will Chelsea and Liverpool reinforce their attack in 2025?

Nathan Zeze

Chelsea and Liverpool are likely to invest in their attack as well in 2025. The Blues were keen to sign a new No. 9 this summer, but failed to convince Victor Osimhen to move to Stamford Bridge.

The Nigerian is currently on loan at Galatasaray, but his deal has a break clause which could be activated in the winter. Osimhen's relationship with Napoli is already broke and he is likely to be on the move next year.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are also sweating on the future of Mohamed Salah, who has entered the final year of his contract at Anfield. The Reds are locked in talks regarding a new deal, but discussions are yet to reach a fruitful end.

Recent reports have suggested that they have their eyes on Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush as an option to upgrade their attack. The 25-year-old has already scored ten goals and set up seven more from 11 games this season. The Merseyside club could sign him for €60m next summer.