The Blues are still waiting to hear from FIFA about their appeal on that transfer ban, but that has not stopped their scouting plans for the future.

Chelsea might have a pending transfer ban on their shoulders, but that has not stopped Roman Abramovich and Co. from searching for new players.

Given Eden Hazard's desire to leave the club, and despite having signed Christian Pulisic back in January, the Blues are keen on adding more talent to their squad if their appeal against FIFA's ban is successful. With that in mind, Chelsea decided to search for Hazard's potential replacement right where they got him in the first place.

According to The Mirror, 23-year-old Lille footballer Nicolas Pepe has been named as the club's main option to boost their squad, following a superb season with the French side. Pepe has been slapped a $90M transfer tag by Lille's execs, maybe to fend off any interest from potential suitors.

Pepe has scored 19 goals this season for the red and blue side. If that was not enough, he has also dished out eleven assists, which brings his total contribution to 30 goals in just 32 matches. 

The Ivory Coast footballer will have to wait and see what the future has in store for him, especially if Chelsea's appeal is not successful. If that was the case, Pepe has already handed in a transfer request, so we can expect the African footballer to be one of the top names in the upcoming transfer window.