When Manchester United completed the signings of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Eric Bailly and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, everybody thought “This is going to be a United Summer”. This was mainly because clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea, at the time, had not done anything tangible in the market. However, it looks like Chelsea’s summer transfer window business is beginning to hot up.
Reports claim the Blues and their new Italian manager Antonio Conte are not resting just yet after having signed Michy Batshuayi from Ligue 1 side Olimpique Marseille weeks ago, as only on Saturday they completed the signing of N’Golo Kante, the highly-rated French midfielder who played a vital role in Leicester’s success last year.
According to the British Media (Daily Mirror), Chelsea completed a transfer deal worth £61 million ( £30 million was paid to Leicester City and a 5-year-contract was signed worth £31 million).
The signing of N’Golo Kante is by any standards a very shrewd one. The Blues have struggled for the best part of the last two seasons whenever Matic is not playing. And with Kante acquired, that problem will automatically be removed.
Having completed the signing of Kante, reports now claim the focus is on capturing a top attacking midfielder, with Riyad Mahrez being on top of their shopping list. The Algerian is said to have rejected an offer of a new contract from Leicester City, a situation that Chelsea, among other clubs, are reportedly trying to take advantage of.
With Fabregas looking like he is on the decline, signing Mahrez will make a lot of sense for the Blues. His signing will not only mean Conte will have a reliable cover for Fabregas, but the fact that he can play on the flanks is an added advantage.
The good thing is Chelsea have little to no competition for his signature. Barca are said not to be interested, despite the English media linking the Catalans to his signing. Additionally, the player himself has ruled out a return to France which means PSG are non-runners. Meanwhile, Arsenal who are said to be interested won’t be able to offer the Algerian as much money as Chelsea can.
Arsenal certainly could do with the signing of the African but, as we all know, the Gunners’ problem is Arsene Wenger and his annoying arrogance in the transfer market
