Chelsea have been dealt a transfer blow as Gift Orban admits he would like to join Liverpool or Manchester United.
The Evening Standard believe Chelsea have sent scouts to watch the 20-year-old in action as he shines for KAA Gent.
Now – following an interview with Het Laatste Nieuws – it would seem Gift Orban is focusing on Chelsea’s Premier League rivals.
What’s the story?
Well, the Nigerian expressed his desire to play in the Premier League – which, on the surface, seemed like a positive for Chelsea.
However, the KAA Gent No.20 went on to mention Manchester United, Liverpool or Manchester City as potential destinations, without naming Chelsea.
Orban said: “Playing in a big league at a club where I feel comfortable, and where I play. The Premier League is my ultimate dream. Manchester United, Liverpool or Manchester City.”
Chelsea will surely be feeling a bit left out after reading those comments.
If the Blues did somehow manage to bring Orban to Stamford Bridge, it would be a tremendous signing.
The striker has remarkably scored 19 goals in just 19 games for KAA Gent following a €3m (£2.6m) move from Norwegian side Stabæk in January.
Chelsea given Gift Orban lifeline
While Orban unfortunately didn’t name Chelsea as a potential destination, he at least didn’t rip into the west Londoners like he did with Arsenal.
The Nigerian wonderkid made it explicitly clear that he has no interest in joining the Gunners, admitting that the north Londoners look like they don’t even want to win silverware.
Orban added: “I don’t really like Arsenal that much. It’s like they don’t want to win titles. They play and sell players, that’s it. I want to go somewhere where they win prizes.”
Aside from this disastrous campaign, Chelsea have gained a reputation for winning plenty of silverware over the years, regardless of which manager is in the dugout.
Therefore, if the Blues can get back on track next season, perhaps Orban would be open to joining.