Chelsea are reportedly eyeing a move for Leicester City midfielder Danny Drinkwater as a possible replacement for Nemanja Matic
According to a report by Sky Sports, Chelsea are set to pursue Danny Drinkwater from Leicester City as a replacement for Nemanja Matic. The Serbian midfielder’s departure from Chelsea to join Manchester United made major headlines yesterday, and the Blues are already eyeing alternatives.
Matic has been an instrumental figure in Chelsea’s fortunes and to replace a player like that might seem like a daunting task for Drinkwater. Chelsea have already splurged on a deal for Tiemoue Bakayoko from Monaco, but Blues manager Antonio Conte is in the market for another midfielder and has identified Drinkwater as a target.
The England international signed a new four-year contract with Leicester City only last summer, which will make it unlikely for Leicester to agree to a deal in the first place. However, the transfer window so far has seen some pretty shocking deals and, hence, it will come as no surprise if Conte manages to sign Drinkwater.
The 27-year-old was a part of Leicester City’s Premier League-winning squad. The player truly flourished under then manager Claudio Ranieri and was an integral part of squad. In fact, his performances last year earned him a call to join the England squad in March 2016.
What needs to be noted is that Drinkwater partnered exceptionally well with N’Golo Kante at the King Power stadium. Chelsea signed a deal with Kante last summer and Drinkwater’s form has only declined after that. Granted, Leicester were struggling as well, but there was just something lacking in the midfielder’s performances.
Kante was a rock in the midfield for the Foxes and has established himself as a key member of Conte’s squad as well. He has lived up to his billing and had a major part to play in Chelsea’s fortunes last season. Thus, a move for Drinkwater can strengthen Chelsea’s midfield further since Drinkwater and Kante are proven to be strong partners.
In terms of opportunity, this will be a huge deal for Drinkwater since he will get to play for a champion squad and compete in the coveted Champions League as well. Although Leicester improved form under Craig Shakespeare, Chelsea can provide a lot more for Drinkwater to further his career, and a deal could be a good chance for the player.
