Chelsea have launched an ambitious move for Lyon midfielder Nabil Fekir, who almost joined Liverpool earlier this summer, according to France Football.
The French outlet reports that the Blues are keen on bringing in the 25-year-old before Thursday’s transfer deadline, with Jurgen Klopp’s interest in the midfielder seemingly at an end.
The France international was on the verge of moving to Anfield earlier this summer, but the transfer was derailed after Liverpool’s medical staff raised objections.
Now it seems that Maurizio Sarri will look to benefit, with the FA Cup holders ready to add the playmaker to their formidable attacking corps.
Sarri would need to pay around £60million for Fekir.
Good move for Chelsea?
Fekir is an unbelievably talented player, an expert in both scoring and creating goals. But where would he fit in in the 4-3-3 system typically employed by Sarri? Alvaro Morata is clearly the first choice striker at Stamford Bridge, while Eden Hazard and one of Willian or Pedro usually occupy the front three. The emergence of teenager Callum Hudson-Odoi complicates things even further. What if Fekir were to operate in the midfield three, then? Jorginho’s place as a deep-lying conductor seems to be assured after his big money move from Napoli, while N’Golo Kante needs to be brought back into the fold after World Cup duty as well. That leaves Cesc Fabregas, Ross Barkley, Danny Drinkwater, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Ruben Loftus-Cheek fighting for one spot at present. Now Fekir’s going to be thrown into the mix as well? Neither a place in the front three or the midfield trio would best make use of the Frenchman’s talents anyway, as he is a natural number 10. This move just doesn’t seem quite right, unless Sarri changes his formation.
This is Futbol rating: 4/10
Likely to happen?
Chelsea certainly have the financial capability to secure Fekir’s signature, and aside from the Jorginho deal they’ve spent hardly any money this summer. Lyon won’t want to sell this close to the start of the season, however, so negotiations could be tricky. Blues fans shouldn’t count their chickens just yet, that’s for sure.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10