Chelsea aims to outpace both Manchester United and Manchester City in the competition to secure the signing of a 16-year-old talent.

Chelsea are reportedly competing to sign promising South African striker Emile Witbooi from Cape Town City. The 16-year-old is currently on a month-long trial at Chelsea’s Cobham training facility, and a decision regarding his future is expected soon, according to the Daily Mail.

The report also mentions that Manchester United and Manchester City are interested in the young talent, but Chelsea may have an advantage as Witbooi’s trial was arranged by Joe Shields, the club’s co-director of recruitment and talent.

If Chelsea secures his signature, Witbooi could follow in the footsteps of successful African strikers at the club. Didier Drogba, one of the club’s greatest legends, won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three EFL Cups, and a UEFA Champions League at Stamford Bridge, while current striker Nicolas Jackson, also from Africa, has scored six goals and provided three assists in 11 league appearances this season.

Chelsea will next face Leicester City in the Premier League, aiming to build on their current strong form under manager Enzo Maresca. They are in third place with 19 points, having won five of their 11 matches, drawn four, and lost two. The Blues have scored 23 goals but have conceded 13.