In a recent report, Tutto Atalanta mentioned that Chelsea are set to rival Inter Milan for Atalanta right-back Joakim Maehle this summer. It is understood that the Blues have been left impressed by the Denmark international’s performances in the UEFA European Championships and could make a move for him during this summer transfer window (via Tutto Atalanta).
Maehle’s Impressive Form In Italian Football
Maehle enjoyed a fruitful spell at the Gewiss Stadium since joining from KRC Genk back in January. He managed to put in some solid displays for the Italian outfit down the right flank. The Danish full-back made 20 appearances for Atalanta in the previous campaign, picking up two assists in league football.
The 24-year-old performed well to average 0.9 tackles, 0.6 interceptions, 1.1 shots, 0.7 key passes and 0.8 dribbles per game in Serie A last season. He has even been tidy when distributing the ball after completing 80.5% of his attempted passes in the Italian top tier (stats via whoscored).
Maehle is currently tied to a long-term contract at Atalanta which runs out in the summer of 2025, so the Blues would need to make a sizable offer if they are serious about bringing him to Stamford Bridge before the start of the new season.
What Will Maehle Add To Thomas Tuchel’s Side?
Maehle is blessed with electric pace which he can use to make some driving runs with the ball out on the wide areas. He loves to put in a tireless shift for the benefit of his side and can make some decent tackles to earn possession back on the defensive end of the pitch.
The 14-time Denmark international can also create some decent opportunities for his teammates to score and is not shy of having a shot at goal when afforded time and space by the opposition. However, he needs to add more goals and assists to his game if he wants to succeed at a top club like Chelsea next season.
Maehle has all the skillset required to compete for a place on the right-wing in Tuchel’s first XI. The Danish sensation will provide some healthy competition for Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi at Stamford Bridge in the coming seasons.
All in all, we can expect Maehle to add some pace and dynamism to Chelsea’s full-back department. At 24, the best is yet to come from the Atalanta full-back, so Tuchel can expect to make the most out of his talents over the next few years.
