Chelsea have been listed as one of the sides who are keenly tracking the uncertain future of Napoli winger Hirving Lozano.
What’s the latest on Lozano to Chelsea?
According to Ciro Venerato, the Blues have been cited as a possible destination for the 27-year-old, who has formed a large circle of admirers.
He said
“There are several clubs interested. The Mexican has entrusted himself to an English agency, which is trying to guarantee the player a salary on par with the current one, which Napoli will see reduced in the future. The player has been offered to some English clubs, including Chelsea, but there is no shortage of admirers in La Liga, including Sevilla and Villarreal. In the case of the attacker, a negotiation will have to be started with De Laurentiis.
The 63-cap international is contracted until 2024, so the Partenopei may look to cash in this summer to avoid Lozano on a free next year. FootballTransfers, meanwhile, value Lozano at around €30m (£26m).
What could Lozano bring to Chelsea?
Since making his debut in 2014, the Mexican international has amassed 184 goal contributions in 372 games to become one of the most revered and recognisable forwards in recent years.
In the past two seasons for Napoli, the pacey winger has recorded eight goals and eight assists and has demonstrated himself to be a crucial part of Luciano Spalletti’s attractive, possession-based style of play. He also has started 15 league games for a side on course for their first Scudetto since 1990.
The Napoli manager has heaped praise on Lozano, describing him as a “splendid boy” and someone with “unique quality.”
The former PSV Eindhoven man is an appealing option to Graham Potter as he would be an obvious upgrade on Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic, who have both drastically underperformed this season.
The Moroccan was on the verge of a deadline-day switch to French juggernauts Paris Saint-Germain before the deal collapsed, so his motivation and desire to play with Chelsea has been questioned by sections of the fanbase.
Whilst Pulisic’s career in England has been ravaged by injuries and inconsistency. The American has only started 11 games in all competitions and has only registered one goal in a hugely frustrating campaign.
The poor form of these two forwards is part of the reason why Chelsea has only netted 29 goals in 27 league games this season, which is the 13th lowest of anyone in the division.
Lozano represents an exciting and attractive alternative, which the Chelsea hierarchy has obviously spotted.