Now, I’d like to start this post by pointing out the fact that I do indeed love Declan Rice as a transfer option for Chelsea this summer. however, West Ham have evaluated his price to be around 70-80 million pounds, and that, could be seen by many as way overpriced, and the epitome of English player tax! Rice has shown all throughout this season and going back to last year that he can hold it down as an anchor in the midfield in the premier league, averaging around 4.5 tackles and interceptions per 90mins. This leaves Chelsea fan trembling with anticipation over the prospect of a Rice and Kante pivot holding it down in the center of the park, allowing for the rest of the Chelsea players to focus on what they do best (attack) and flourish.
Although the London based side will still be living off the high of lifting the biggest trophy in club football, you could say that they still have holes in their squad that need filling. Kante is obviously the standout performer in the Blues side but apart from the Frenchman, there are question marks over the star midfielders counterparts. Mateo Kovacic came into this season off the back of lifting the Chelsea player of the year award, but, after an injury hit season, that saw his form dip from 7.01 whoscored rating in 19/20 to a still somewhat respectable 6.85 this past year. His regular Italian partner Jorginho also had the ability to equal parts frustrate and amaze throughout the campaign. But, his lack of athleticism does create problems for Thomas Tuchels side. The fourth and final midfield option that the Blues currently have under their active squad is young Scotsman Billy Gilmour. Although he’ll be revelling in the fact he gained his first Scotland cap a few days ago, he’s still too inexperienced and needs refining before he can be a consistent starter at the next level.
However, as previously mentioned, West Ham will try to drive a hard bargain. Especially considering they’ll want to keep hold of their start man now that they’ve secured European football for the first time in their history for next season. The money that could be splurged on Rice could be spent in other areas that may be seen as more of a problem area for the reigning European champions. Striker for example. So getting a cheaper, yet maybe of a similar quality player to Rice, may be seen as the best option for Blues director Marina Granovskaia.
With all that being said, today we will look at 5 alternatives to Declan Rice that the West London side could look at to improve their midfield come next season starting in August. By no means are any of these guys wholly realistic, or have even been rumoured in the past weeks to join Chelsea. But, I just feel that they would make for potentially outstanding fits in the side.
1. Nicolo Barella – Inter Milan
We’re starting this list off with a bang. Nicolo Barella is an exciting and yet rugged midfielder that will give his all for the badge. Those are the sort of attributes that Tuchel will be looking to add to his side. Barella clocks in at a modest 5’8, and pairing him with Kante will make for a particularly small midfield 2. However, both of their defensive numbers show no sign that they will struggle against more opposing midfields. The young Italian, only 24 years old, produced 2.3 tackles and interceptions per 90 in the league this past season for the Nerazzurri and also provided 7 assists, which shows his ability both as a defender but also as a creator. He also has experience in playing Conte’s 5 at the back formation, which is similar to Tuchels, so hopefully he’ll require no time at all to get up to speed with the German Managers tactics. The Italian maestro has been heavily linked with a move away from Milan in the past months, and cross country rivals Juventus have been heavily favoured to snag the young star. However, if the Blues are looking to make a splash in the transfer market and pick up this gem, it will likely set the London side back around 50-70million pounds, which upon reflection is a similar price range to Declan Rice, but I feel Barella as a whole is a lot more of a cultured footballer with more to offer Tuchels side.
2. Aurelien Tchouameni – Monaco
The young Frenchman had an outstanding breakout season in Ligue Un for Monaco this past season. He even secured the award for the leagues best young player. Tchouameni profiles as a physical defensive midfielder with great passing range (must be learning from Fabregas) and great tackling ability. The past few weeks have actually seen him already be linked with Chelsea. And I feel that he would be a great squad player that will eventually have the ability to take over from an ageing Ngolo Kante. Providing an impressive 5.2 tackles and interceptions in the league this year shows that, at still the ripe young age of 21, he has the ability to hang with the big boys. His 5 goal contributions also shows that he can score and create even from further back on the field. Monaco will likely ask for 30-40 million pounds for the Frenchman’s services but I feel that the young standout who rocked a 7.16 whoscored rating will be able to make an instant impact and perform on the field to a Declan Rice standard from the off. Let’s just hope it’s not another Bakayoko signing.
3. Manuel Locatelli – Sassuolo
Classy on the ball and not afraid to put in a sturdy challenge, Locatelli would fit perfectly into the Chelsea midfield. The 23 year old Italian had a breakout season in Serie A this past year with Sassuolo, scoring 4 goals and recording 2 assists. Those stats don’t jump off of the screen but, his underlying numbers tell a different story. Contributing to goals isn’t the strong point in his game, as it’s not the strong point in Rice’s game either ( 3 goal contributions in the league in 20/21 season). Where the Italian does excel however, is in his metronomic passing (similar to Jorginho). Locatelli averaged 80 passes a game in the league and completed 88% of them. This shows that he is comfortable on the ball and he’s also equally adept in receiving the ball in tight areas and recycling the ball further up the pitch. I see Locatelli pairing up best with Kante in a midfield 2 as he has the physical abilities to cover defensively and also be the more progressive passer of the two. Whereas Kante will be able to receive the ball and dribble through the lines. The signing of Locatelli itself will be difficult as Italian giants Juventus are circling the player like a shark and, Pep Guardiola of Manchester City also looks to be interested. A strong performance in the Euros could also raise his price tag, but, if Chelsea want to pounce on the chance of signing the young star, they may be able to land his signature for around 30-40 million pounds.
4. Julian Weigl – Benfica
One rumour that seems to be sporadically popping up in the past few weeks is Julian Weigl to Chelsea. Reports suggest that Thomas Tuchel is an admirer of the 25 year old German international. Although not the sexy signing that most Blues fans will be hoping for this season, Weigl is a safe pick that won’t command constant minutes. The 25 million price tag is probably most appealing to the West London outfit. Especially after splashing out around 200 million pounds last summer. Weigl reports obviously don’t swirl up too much excitement but in essence, he’s still a very good player. This is backed up by his 116 Broussard Dortmund caps and his 5 appearances for the German national team, and getting into a midfield starring Kroos, Kimmich and Gundogan is no easy feat. As of his style of play, he features as a wall in front of the defence. Making tackles and interceptions and breaking up the oppositions attacks. He averaged 3.2 tackles and interceptions in all competitions this past season. However, for all of his quality protecting the back line, he offers very little going forward. The German has only scored 6 goals in his whole competitive career, and not provided a single assist. Another slight on the German defensive midfielder is that he left a very competitive Germany to play in a less competitive Portuguese league where, he hasn’t particularly shown out amongst his counterparts. In my honest opinion, as a transfer target for Chelsea, I hope they don’t try to make a run at Weigl. Your move Granovskaia.
5. Franck Kessie – AC Milan
A young 21 year old Kessie was linked with the Blues back in 2018 whilst the London side were under the tutelage of the pragmatic Antonio Conte. Now, three years later, the 24 year old Ivorian hasn’t seen his name linked with too many of Europe’s elite sides. However, after an impressive 20/21 campaign, I feel as though the athletic Milan player is ready for a step up in his career. Kessie’s numbers were very impressive this year. Producing 13 goals and providing a further 4 assists from a primarily defensive midfield position. Although admittedly 11 of those goals were penalties. If he were to replace Jorginho in the team, the Blues would need an emphatic penalty taker. Kessie fits the billing. Not only is Kessie clinical in front of goal. He is very impressive defensively, and pairing him with Kante, attackers will have to work very hard to break down any blocks that Tuchel creates. Kessie’s 7.15 whoscored rating this past season also backs up the opinion that he’s ready to compete amongst the best in the champions league (I’m aware Milan are in the champions league next year regardless). The only stumbling block in this potential transfer is whether Roman Abramovic would be willing to shell out 50million for the Ivorian. In my opinion, I’d say it would be worth it.
Forgotten Footballers 