Chelsea are set to sign Ivory Coast international David Datro Fofana from Norwegian club Molde FK for a fee believed to be between £8m-£10m.
Fofana, who turned 20 in December, has scored 15 goals in 24 games in Norway's top flight this season while Chelsea's attacking options have been depleted by the news striker Armando Broja will miss the rest of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The forward is expected to complete the move to Stamford Bridge on January 1 when the transfer window opens.
The west London club said in a statement: "Chelsea FC has reached a pre-agreement with Molde FK for the transfer of David Datro Fofana.