Chelsea’s hopes of signing a 21-year-old transfer target this summer may have just taken a significant blow.
The Blues have been extremely busy already with activity in this summer transfer window, but there’s still plenty of speculation suggesting more business could follow.
For Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, he’s already been working with a large squad during pre-season. Hopefully, the group is a little bit more manageable by the time the window closes on 30 August.
Chelsea hopes of signing James McAtee take a blow
It was reported by The Sun on Sunday in June that Chelsea are interested in signing Manchester City’s James McAtee. In particular, Blues head coach Maresca wants to sign the 21-year-old Man City youngster, who spent last season out on loan at Sheffield United.
Respected journalist Fabrizio Romano now claims via X that Man City are expected to offer McAtee a new contract at the Etihad Stadium following some eye-catching displays in pre-season this summer.
It is explained that Pep Guardiola is delighted with the versatile English midfielder and contract talks will soon happen.
Man City boss Guardiola has described McAtee as “special” recently, as quoted by The Star.
While it’s obvious that the midfield playmaker is a big talent, Chelsea’s squad is already looking pretty crowded in his position and it’s not a disaster if they miss out on his signature.
Oscar Bobb should be a bigger priority
If Chelsea want to sign a Man City player this summer, Oscar Bobb is definitely the individual to target. The 21-year-old Norwegian fits the profile better for what the Blues may lack in their current squad.
Journalist Simon Phillips recently reported via Substack that Chelsea will try sign Bobb before the summer window closes.
Bobb is a skilful out-and-out winger with a big goal threat, so he’d make a lot more sense than McAtee for the Blues.
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