Rennes makes initial contact with Chelsea over Fikayo Tomori
According to French publication L’Equipe (h/t Metro), French Ligue 1 side Rennes are interested in Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori.
The 22-year-old enjoyed an excellent start to the season under Frank Lampard. The youngster, however, fell down the pecking order since Christmas and has struggled to feature regularly.
Tomori has made 22 appearances for Chelsea this season. Only three of them have come since the turn of the year with two of these limited to the FA Cup.
Rennes hope to take advantage of the situation and are keen to take the youngster to Roazhon Park. Their ability to pull off a permanent deal could prove difficult. A loan looks to be the best way forward for everyone involved. (h/t Metro)
The report goes on to add that making a move for Tomori is a show of ambition from Rennes. The French side are, however, doing so from a position of strength having finished third in Ligue 1 last season.
This means Champions League football will be on offer next season. With the Blues keen to strengthen at the back, Tomori will have to improve drastically to ensure he gets regular game time next season.
He has more chances of doing that at Rennes. If the French side can guarantee playtime, Frank Lampard will not stand in the Tomori’s way in obtaining a loan. In fact, it will be a step in the right direction in the player’s development.
The 22-year-old has made 115 appearances at the senior level, 16 of which came in the top flight. The rest was predominantly achieved during his loan spells at Derby County and Hull City in the Championship.
A promising player, Tomori has still some way to go before he can challenge for a starting spot at Chelsea. A loan that will give him the opportunity to play top-level European football will be a steep yet rewarding learning curve.
On paper, a loan deal appears to be a no brainer. Whether an agreement can be reached between the clubs in actuality remains to be seen.
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Lampard had earlier admitted that he sees a future for Tomori at the Bridge. As someone who has regularly played the defender while at Derby County, it is clear Lamaprd rates him.
Chelsea, however, represents a much bigger challenge and Tomori will have to increase his levels to keep up with the club’s demands. A move to France could give him just the opportunity to do that.