Chelsea are set to be one of the busiest clubs in the transfer window as Antonio Conte is desperate to improve the quality in the squad. The Italian manager is looking to add some top quality stars to his first team next season but will also let a select few leave the club before the start of the next season.
One such player whose future at the club is looking bleak is youngster Nathaniel Chalobah. The English U12 International has been on the books for Chelsea since 2005 when he joined from local club Fulham but has managed just 10 senior appearances, since moving to the senior squad back in 2010.
And recent reports claim that he is one of the most wanted players for the smaller clubs in the country. The likes of West Brom, Watford, Leicester City and Swansea are all reportedly keeping tabs on the player and with just a year left on his contract, the 22-year old is also reportedly looking for a club to find some regular game time. So should Chelsea sell him this summer?
A central midfielder, who can also play in defence, Chalobah is a strong player who loves to have the ball at his feet. He is quick and composed and his ball control in close quarters makes him a must have for most clubs in the country.
He is dominating in the air and can play in more than one position and at just 22, will only get better with each year. However, Chelsea has N’Golo Kante playing this role next season. Nemanja Matic, his partner in crime, is linked with an exit but Conte has got it covered and is close to landing Tiemoue Bakayoko to partner Kante in the midfield.
Chelsea do not have too much depth in midfield as Cesc Fabregas is also constantly linked with an exit and keeping Chalobah will give some depth to the Blues. But it is hard to see the player extend his contract with the club without promises of first team football and Chelsea cannot afford to lose him on a free.
Chalobah may yet turn out to be a superstar but at the moment, he is not what Chelsea need. He has already spent six different spells on loans at different English clubs and it might be time for him to find a permanent home. However, adding a buy-back clause will surely be in Conte’s mind. Do you think Chelsea should hold on to Chalobah?
