Chelsea join Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in race for Lens defender Kylian Antonio

Chelsea are among the clubs monitoring Lens centre-back Kylian Antonio, with Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa also considering a move for the highly rated France-based teenager.

The 18-year-old has attracted growing attention after establishing himself in Lens’ first team at the start of the current season.

Antonio made only a limited number of appearances for the senior side during the previous two campaigns. However, he has since become one of the club’s most notable young discoveries, featuring in 12 matches this season and starting nine of them.

Sports Mole reports that Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa are following Antonio’s progress closely and are impressed by his potential.

Paris Saint-Germain’s interest is not new. Lens beat the Parisian club and several other French sides to Antonio’s signature in the summer of 2023, when the defender joined the club in northern France on a free transfer.

Lens moved for Antonio after he had begun to show his ability, and the deal has proved valuable as his market value has risen to £8.5m, equivalent to 10m euros.

The three interested clubs are considering whether to make an approach for the defender, with one of them potentially beginning negotiations during the next winter transfer window.

Lens would expect to receive substantially more than Antonio’s current market value if a formal offer is made.

The French club would demand at least £25.5m, equivalent to 30m euros, before agreeing to sell the player. Antonio’s contract with Lens runs until June 2028.