Chelsea are plotting a move for Barcelona outcast Denis Suarez as a replacement for striker Michy Batshuayi. According to sources in the English press, the Blues may look to sign the Spanish international as they are eager to replace Batshuayi who is all set to go out on loan in search of more first-team football. Although, Suarez is not a like for like replacement, yet the west London club are keen to bring him in from La Liga as they look to bolster their attacking options going into the second half of the season.
In the latest episode of The Transfer Window podcast, renowned reporter and football operations consultant Ian McGarry said, “Chelsea have been looking to add more firepower since the summer window.
“Antonio Conte was prepared to give Michy Batshuayi a chance to prove himself but that’s proven not to have worked out.
“If Batshuayi wants to leave in order to prove himself for a place in Belgium’s squad at the World Cup, then that would happen, as long as Chelsea can get someone in.
“What they haven’t found in a natural goalscoring striker and instead have turned their attention to a Barcelona player who is available for transfer – Denis Suarez.
“He’s a player they (Barcelona) let go with a buy-back clause and because he was playing so well in La Liga they did buy him back.
“He made an instant impression but has since fallen out of favour and is available for transfer.
“He’s very much in the mould of Barcelona’ current attacking midfielders such as Willian, Pedro and Eden Hazard – not an out-and-out striker but certainly someone who can get goals.”
Suarez is highly versatile and can operate on the left flank, as a central midfielder or in the number 10 position. He has made a total of 53 matches for the Catalan club scoring 6 goals and making 11 assists since his move from Villarreal CF in the summer of 2016. The 24-year-old has made 17 appearances for Barcelona this season and has found the back of the net 3 times while also providing 6 assists in all competitions.
He has definitely helped the La Liga giants cope with the loss of Neymar after the Brazilian superstar switched clubs on a world record transfer last summer. However, with the arrival of Phillipe Coutinho from Liverpool, the Spaniard might find game time limited at the Nou Camp so a possible move to the Premier League makes sense.
Chelsea are currently sitting in 4th place in the Premier League standings with just goal difference separating them from Manchester United and Liverpool. They are in dire need of some fresh faces in January to help them in their quest to cope with all four competitions going into the second half of the campaign. With Batshuayi set to depart the Blues of London on loan, a potential move for Denis Suarez could be a clever addition to Antonio Conte’s side as the Spaniard has already proven that he can play at the highest level.
It remains to be seen whether the Blues are successful in their pursuit of the Barcelona midfielder this month.
