Chelsea are set to rival Liverpool for the signing Brentford left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf in the January transfer window.
Dsports reports that the two Premier League clubs have registered their interest with the player's representative and making a formal offer to Brentford soon.
Diouf left West Ham United in August to join Brentford for a transfer fee around £35 million and £5 million in potential add-ons.
The Senegalese defender has played six matches for the Bees scross all competitions which include two Premier League starts.
Chelsea and Liverpool make move Malick Diouf
Since moving to the Premier League from Slavia Prague in the summer of 2025, Diouf has shown his qualities in the left-back position.
Beyond his aggression and ball-winning skills, the Senegalese defender brings attacking flair to his game with his pace on the flanks and his aerial strength.
He is considered to be a key part of Keith Andrews’ plans at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Diouf is tied to Brentford until 2031 but he has been on the move in the last two summer transfer windows and it remains to be seen whether the Senegalese international will switch clubs in 2027.
Chelsea have struggled defensively this season and they are one of the clubs who have conceded the most goals in the Premier League (15 goals).
Liverpool, on their part, consider the 21-year-old as a youthful option who could also provide long-term competition on the left flanks.
Chelsea’s defensive struggles under Alonso
Diouf is a natural left-footed player who naturally fits the left-back position and he could be the replacement for Marc Cucurella who left for Real Madrid in the summer.
Cucurella’s exit left Xabi Alonso with Levi Colwill and Pep Chavarria as options for the left-back role.
Chelsea have found it difficult to keep clean sheets this season, with just two clean sheets in the Premier League so far.
