Chelsea believe they have the inside running in the battle for Monaco winger Thomas Lemar.

Chelsea have joined Liverpool and Arsenal in the race for the France international, with the latter pair having had deadline day offers rejected in August.

The London Evening Standard says the Blues are looking to strengthen the squad when the window opens and Lemar could help provide competition at left wing back as well as in attack.

He was one of the players Chelsea admired when they scouted Monaco heavily last season, but midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko was their primary target and he joined for £40million in July.

Monaco are believed to be prepared to listen to offers for the 21-year-old again as they finished bottom of their Champions League group and are nine points behind PSG in Ligue 1.

Monaco are expected to demand £80m for Lemar's signature, but Chelsea have an advantage in any possible negotiations as former technical director Michael Emenalo, who left Stamford Bridge last month, now has the same role at the Louis II Stadium.