El Mala, 19, has exploded onto the scene at FC Koln this season, scoring 12 goals and providing two assists in his 34 games.
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According to Sport BILD, Chelsea have now jumped ahead of Brighton in the race to sign the left winger.
The report adds that the youngster’s future is in the hands of his mother, Sabrina El Mala, who is working on finding a new club for her son.
Brighton haven’t given up in the race to sign El Mala, however, with the South Coast club still in talks with his representatives.