Blues Live assesses recent Chelsea targets and offers a take on the best 5 players linked with the Blues in the media right now.
1. Krzysztof Piatek (Genoa)
The 23-year-old striker has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge following an outstanding start of the season in the Serie A. Piatek has scored in seven games in a row at the start of the season, although then suffered a five-match goal drought. All in all, the Genoa striker has 17 goals in 17 games in all competitions this season so far and he leads the goalscorers’ race in Serie A – beating even Cristiano Ronaldo. Genoa are believed to ask not less than €60 million for the striker, but it would be a worthy investment for one of the most sought-after young strikers in Europe.
2. Elseid Hysaj (Napoli)
Napoli right-back is one of the most consistent defensive players with whom Maurizio Sarri used to work, so the coach exactly knows the Hysaj’s capacities. The two had worked together at Empoli and then the Italian tactician took the Albanian to Napoli. Currently, Chelsea have no real alternative to Cesar Azpilicueta on the right flank, so another solid defensive option would be very welcome. Meanwhile, Italian media actively support the rumours of Chelsea’s interest in Napoli defender. For example, Football Italia reports that the Blues are even prepared to activate Hysaj’s €50m release clause paid for by trading in Italy international Davide Zappacosta.
3. Dries Mertens (Napoli)
The Belgian is another former Sarri player from Napoli. Recently he spilled the beans about his desire to reunite with the coach: “Maybe in one year, I’m free, so maybe you never know, maybe Sarri is going to call me. We will see.” However, Chelsea are not known to make any official enquiries about the forward as of now. Which is understandable – Mertens is 31 years old, which is well over the bar of what the Blues should be looking for. And do not fool yourselves – in the year 2020 when Mertens is no longer committed to Napoli, it is very unlikely that Sarri is going to call even then.
4. Denis Suarez (Barcelona)
Denis Suarez has started his career at Celta before being sold to Man City at the age of 19, with who he spent two years. He then represented Barca B (2013/14), Sevilla (2014/15) and Villarreal (2015/16) before joining Barca’s first team in summer 2016. However, as players like Arthur, Rafinha, Carles Alena or Malcom are gaining prominence at Barcelona, he is now very behind in the pecking order at the club. Here, as rumours go, enter Chelsea, who are willing to replace Cesc Fabregas with a young blood. However, how much competition in the centre-field do we really need? Jorginho and Kante occupy the two spots, and the third one is battled out between Barkley, Kovacic and Loftus-Cheek. It would be unhealthy to splash for Barcelona misfit in this situation.
5. Nicolo Barella (Cagliari)
Cagliari-based publication Unione Sarda claim that Chelsea are interested in the local star striker Nicolo Barella. According to the source, the Blues are willing to part with €45m to acquire the forward. Now, that’s a doubtful one. 21-year-old Barella is a graduate of Cagliari Academy. He has four caps for the national Italy team, but with no goals scored so far. His season stats are not impressive also – Barella scored just one goal in Serie A having played in 14 matches. His contract expires in 2022, Transfermarkt evaluates the striker at €30m – which is a high enough sum as it is, but Chelsea allegedly want to go over the top? It would be a poor move to spend so much to probably just then send the player on a loan – Bakayoko story all over again.