Chelsea’s summer plans took a huge blow when Paris Saint-Germain director of football Patrick Kluivert blatantly refused any possibilities of their star midfielder Marco Verratti leaving the Ligue 1 giants anytime soon.
“Verratti is the cornerstone of our midfield and things will remain that way… He is not going anywhere this year,” said Kluivert.
After PSG crashed out of the Champions League in one of the most astonishing nights of European football history, there have been numerous speculations of the star leaving the side and Chelsea were on red alert with the developments. Bayern Munich and Juventus are also among the lucrative suitors of the 24-year-old, who has been one of the best in that position across Europe.
However, with things going south on that front, Antonio Conte will have to look at other options to strengthen his core midfield where the manager has heavily relied on N’Golo Kante for the whole of the season.
Here are 3 players who could fit in Chelsea’s midfield perfectly-
Steven N’zonzi- He has been a revelation this season in the La Liga for Sevilla’s midfield, and is one of the main reasons why the Spanish side is still in the title contention. A huge frame in the middle of the park, the French international mainly relies on raw strength in winning the aerial duels and agility, to outmuscle opponents while on the counter.
With already a heavily loaded option in Kante, who pretty much takes care of extreme pressing, N’Zonzi could do his job of getting the ball high up into the attacking third; something he does very well with his range of passing.
Radja Nainngolan- One of Conte’s favourites in the position, this Belgian international has been a beast in the midfield in the Serie A of late. His passing range as well his ability to execute perfectly measured long shots into the back of the net makes him an interesting prospect in Chelsea’s midfield.
His attributes might give the Blues a whole different attacking dimension; something which Conte will desperately need next season after his three-man defence setup gets hackneyed.
Julian Weigl- A superstar in the making, this young sensation has taken the Bundesliga by storm. The Borussia Dortmund player has impressed everyone with his tremendous discipline and great passing range. At just 21, his maturity exceeds his age and his big frame also makes him a decent addition to any team. Chelsea are looking at a long-term prospect, who could carry the club to great heights for the next few years.
