OPINION
Chelsea are notorious in the Premier League for splashing the cash on players left, right and centre, and with midfielder Danny Drinkwater, that is no exception.
The Blues forked out £35 million for the rarely-seen midfielder last summer from Leicester City, but since then, he has not had the greatest of impacts after falling down the pecking order under former boss Antonio Conte.
The Daily Mail now report that Chelsea are now willing to entertain offers for the ex-Premier League winner, as he has failed to impress new boss Maurizio Sarri.
The Blues will be making a costly error by offloading the 28-year-old ace, as he has unfairly not been given the opportunity to prove what a talent he really is, and they will be left exposed if an injury should occur.
He only made 12 top-flight starts last season, which is surprising considering that they spent so highly to obtain his services from the Foxes.
Should Conte have seen his potential right from the start, Drinkwater – who is on £120,000 a week [Spotrac] – could have gone on to be a real success at Stamford Bridge if his exploits at Leicester were anything to go by.
He needs to have his previous form reignited, but that does not seem likely to happen now Sarri is in charge – he now has the likes of new signing Jorginho to call upon in the centre of midfield, meaning Drinkwater is surplus to requirements.
Letting go of the recent England international so soon after snapping him up will prove to be a major mistake – his accurate passing and ability to track back defensively would have proven pivotal to a Chelsea side who often lack in that department.
However, what could be Chelsea’s loss will certainly be another club’s gain, even if Sarri does not recognise that himself.