Chelsea may still look to strengthen in the midfield before the transfer window shuts, with a new report suggesting the club are weighing up the decision to make a fresh move for that area of the pitch.
According to the Telegraph, the Blues are considering whether or not they should swoop for a defensive midfielder that can sit in front of the back four.
It is claimed that West Ham’s Declan Rice has been a priority target for manager Frank Lampard, but the London rivals are reluctant to lose the 21-year-old.
The report does also name Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey and explained that Chelsea scouts have been watching him in recent months.
His contract at Spanish club Atletico currently includes a £45million release clause and that’s proven to be too expensive for Arsenal, who are interested in the 27-year-old’s signature.
The Telegraph’s report explains that Chelsea’s priority as it stands is to offload some more players from the squad, but doesn’t rule out the possibility of trying to strengthen in the midfield.
Partey, 27, is a no-nonsense defensive midfielder that looks like he would be a perfect fit for the style of Premier League football and he’s been a brilliant performer for Atletico in recent years.
The Ghana international is an ever-present in the centre of the park where he can break up play and is a real powerhouse, as well as being neat in possession and aware of his surroundings.
Chelsea’s transfer window has been exceptional so far and so many top-class players have arrived through the doors at Stamford Bridge, but Partey for £45million would be the icing on the cake.
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