Fekir’s future has been the subject of intense speculation this summer after he forged a reputation as one of Ligue 1’s top talents. The Lyon skipper almost joined Liverpool in June but for a failed medical which saw the Reds shelve their plans to complete a deal. Fekir has continued to be linked with a move to Anfield in the following six weeks, with fans eager to see an agreement stuck. The latest reports from the World Cup winner’s homeland indicate he might head to one of Liverpool’s rivals instead though.

Chelsea transfer news: Nabil Fekir twist as Liverpool target could join Blues revolution

According to France Football, Fekir may sign for Chelsea before the transfer window slams shut on Thursday. The Blues are said to have shown interest in getting the 25-year-old playmaker on-board. And Maurizio Sarri could offer him a central role in Chelsea’s new-look system. Chelsea are set to adopt a 4-3-3 formation this season, for which Jorginho has already been recruited from Napoli. And Fekir might be seen as ideal for Sarri’s approach as he continues his revolution since replacing Antonio Conte.

Chelsea transfer news: Possible Blues XI after deadline day Wed, August 1, 2018 Chelsea could have plenty of transfer business left to conclude this summer – but how could they line up after the transfer window? Play slideshow Chelsea FC via Getty Images 1 of 12 How could Chelsea line up after the transfer window ends?

One sticking point is that, unlike Chelsea, Lyon can offer Champions League football to Fekir if he stays at the Groupama Stadium. But France Football suggest Chelsea, who will compete in the Europa League, have the “means” to convince Fekir to jump ship. It is claimed it would be complicated if Liverpool decided to resurrect their move for Fekir having flagged up concerns over an old knee problem. While the attacking midfielder could even opt to put pen to paper on a contract extension with Lyon. Fekir hinted today it is possible for a switch to materialise before the transfer window closes.

Chelsea transfer news: Nabil Fekir twist as Liverpool target could join Blues revolution

"As you can see, I am in Lyon. I am very happy here," Fekir told Lyon’s in-house TV station after returning to training following a post-World Cup break. "But the transfer window [in France] is still long and everything goes very quickly in football. "We don’t know what will happen in the future but I am very happy at Lyon. I feel brilliant in this squad. "We have very good players, a great atmosphere. It is a bit like the French national team: a mixture of youngster and older players, with some players more experienced than others. "We have a good group, very homogeneous. We feel good together and I hope that Lyon will have a very good season."

Chelsea transfer news: Nabil Fekir twist as Liverpool target could join Blues revolution