According to the latest reports, London-based English Premier League side Chelsea have targeted Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A side Fluminese's attacking midfielder Lucas Patinho and are expected to make a move for the player as soon as the transfer window opens in summer.

Patinho, 20, had been earlier linked with the Blues in winter with a move to the Stamford Bridge but decided to stay with the Brazilian club for further development.

Chelsea did the same thing last summer when they signed Brazil U17 Lucas Piazon from Sao Paulo after contesting for the player against Italian Serie A side Juventus. Since then, the youngster has featured well for the club's reserve team over the last seven months with six appearances and two assists.

The young Brazilian, if signed by Chelsea, will be expecting to make a similar approach towards the Premier League first team and will be expected to hold the same stance to acquire work permit. It is believed that the Blues are scouting for a long-term successor for Frank Lampard and Patinho fits the bill perfectly.

Chelsea knows that the club will need to spend a modest fee of $3.19 million (£2 million) for the player, but are also aware that many top European clubs are monitoring the player, according to a Footybunker report.

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