Chelsea are interested in securing the signature of Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles this summer. According to recent reports, the Blues are being linked with a move for the English centre-back during this summer transfer period. It is understood that the Tyneside outfit are set to demand a fee in the region of £30m for their star defender.
The Derby-born centre-back has put in a number of excellent performances for the Magpies during the course of last season which has not gone unnoticed. Some sources are now claiming that Chelsea are plotting a move for the Newcastle defender in this off-season as the Blues look to strengthen their options ahead of the new campaign.
However, the West London club are not the only ones looking to recruit him and will face stiff competition from the likes of Liverpool and Everton in pursuit of the English talent’s signature. Lascelles had featured in 35 matches for Newcastle last season and has 3 goals to his name in all competitions. He has also represented his country, England at the youth level but was excluded from Gareth Southgate’s squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup which kicks off in Russia next month.
The West Londoners had a trophyless campaign and also missed out on UEFA Champions League football after only managing to grind out a 5th placed finish in the English top-flight. They are in dire need to recruit wisely during this ongoing transfer window and bring in some quality players who can help them challenge for some major silverware next term.
The addition of Lascelles will undoubtedly bolster Chelsea’s defensive options ahead of the new season. The London club has the likes of César Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen, Gary Cahill, Antonio Rüdiger and David Luiz competing for a starting berth at Stamford Bridge. The potential acquisition of Lascelles will definitely improve their team and add more competition for places within the Blues squad.
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At 24, the English centre-back still has his peak years ahead of him which the West Londoners could look to utilise in the coming years. He is exactly the kind of talent who can come in and improve their defence significantly in the upcoming campaign. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Lascelles and whether he ends up making a switch to the Premier League next season.
