Chelsea to rival Bayern Munich for Algerian star

Premier League leaders Chelsea are reportedly keen on signing Napoli's Faouzi Ghoulam on a free transfer in the summer.

The Algerian international has evolved into an excellent performer in recent seasons, and he is now prepared to move on to a bigger club.

According to The Express, the Blues have made contact with the player's representatives over a Bosman move, but they still face stiff competition from Bayern Munich.

Ghoulam, 26, is comfortable playing on either side of the central defenders, and this has captured the attention of Bayern, who will have to replace Philipp Lahm at the end of the campaign.

The World Cup winner has decided to hang up his boots in the summer, and this leaves a huge void to fill in the backline.

Meanwhile, the Blues are also in need of defensive recruitments with Branislav Ivanovic having left the club for Zenit St Petersburg over the winter period.

Ghoulam has recently snubbed a double-your-money contract at Napoli with a view to a fresh challenge in a new league.