Chelsea are valuing a Real Madrid star that the Spanish giants “would be willing to sell”, and a successful foray could bring about a radical overhaul in a problematic position for Mauricio Pochettino, according to reports.
The Blues spent more than £1 billion on new signings during the Todd Boehly era. However, despite the colossal expenses, questions remain about multiple positions.
In fact, manager Pochettino has publicly asked Chelsea to sign new players in January. Evidently, the Argentine does not believe that those already at his disposal are smart enough to return Chelsea to their place.
The west London side are reportedly looking for a new striker in January. TEAMtalk has learned that winger Noni Madueke could be sacrificed and that the money from his sale could be spent on signing Ivan Toney or Victor Osimhen.
Elsewhere, the left-back position is under scrutiny, with Marc Cucurella and Ian Maatsen both up for sale.
Chelsea accepted a loan-to-buy offer from Burnley worth £31. 5m for Maatsen last summer. However, the Dutchman vetoed the move and in the end he stayed where he was.
But he, along with Marc Cucurella, failed to impress Pochettino in the early part of the campaign. With Ben Chilwell injured, Levi Colwill was the top pick out of position at left-back.
Cucurella and Maatsen could leave in January or at the end of the season if they win the rights next month.
Now, according to a Spanish report (cited via Caught Offside), Chelsea are a move for Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy.
The 28-year-old would like to stay at Madrid beyond next summer, as the lure of normal playing time would appeal to him.
Mendy is Carlo Ancelotti’s first pick when he is fit. However, Los Blancos would be willing to sign Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich in 2024.
The Canadian’s arrival would see Mendy’s minutes plummet. A move to Stamford Bridge, where he would rival Chilwell, would give the Frenchman a much greater presence on a regular basis.
That would also allow Colwill to compete with Benoit Badiashile in his favoured left centre-back role.
In fact, Chelsea’s left-back position could be completely overhauled, with Maatsen and Cucurella sold, Colwill returning to central and Mendy signed.
The report suggests that the resolution will be taken next summer and not in January, which is the maximum likely outcome. In any case, it is claimed that La Real will say yes to the sale of Mendy if “a smart offer arrives”.
The article gave no idea what Real Madrid would ask for the Frenchman. However, given that he will enter the final year of his Real contract next summer, it is understandable that that is not the price, especially as Mendy will turn 29 next June.
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