‘Huge difference’: Leboeuf urges Chelsea to go out and sign £150m superstar to transform their side
Frank Leboeuf has named Kylian Mbappe as the player that he believes can change Chelsea into a title-winning force once again.
Speaking on ESPN, the former Blues defender was asked to select the one signing that could close the gap between Thomas Tuchel’s team and Manchester City.
Fantasy football
Of course, there are some obvious names to throw into the mix.
Kevin De Bruyne showed exactly the difference between Chelsea and City on the weekend.
Lionel Messi probably wouldn’t be a half-bad addition.
Robert Lewandowski is alright in front of goal
Virgil van Dijk can defend pretty decently.
Yet, these transfers are either unrealistic or unattainable.
Mbappe, on the other hand, could be snapped up over the summer as a free agent.
COuld Chelsea actually land Mbappe?
The 23-year-old’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain runs out in June and it appears he will not renew his stay with the French champions.
Real Madrid have moved themselves to the front of the queue for the Frenchman’s priceless signature.
However, nothing has been signed, sealed or delivered, so there is still time for someone to muck-up Madrid’s plans.
Could Chelsea foil the Spanish Armada and make Mbappe their marquee acquisition of 2022?
Leboeuf certainly hoped that would be the case.
“Kylian Mbappe,” he said when posed the question about the recruit Tuchel needs to close in on Pep Guardiola’s men.
“The guy is free next summer and when I see the players up front, obviously Kylian Mbappe would make a huge difference for Chelsea.”
Friends from before
What the Blues have that Los Blancos don’t is a manager who’s worked with Mbappe before.
He played under Tuchel during their days in Paris and although they came to blows on occasion, the £150m (ESPN) superstar still holds his ex-conductor in high regard.
“After the Euros, I’m going to call him (Tuchel) because I have a really good relationship with him,” said the PSG forward last June.
Of course, a good connection with Tuchel is not going to solely bring Mbappe to Stamford Bridge.
But, it’s a start.
Marina, we hope you are listening…
Keep up to date with all the latest Chelsea news and opinion by following The Chelsea Chronicle’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.
