If a report from the Mirror(claimed by Football.London) is believed to be true, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is eyeing a reunion with Paris St-Germain star Marquinhos. The 27-year-old Brazilian is being viewed as a cheaper alternative to Declan Rice who would cost around £100m, the Guardian has revealed.
The Blues scripted a stunning upsurge under the former PSG chief and went on to conquer the prestigious Champions League crown defeating Manchester City. They have been rock-solid in the defensive third as the transformation under Tuchel is no less than a miracle considering the crisis under Frank Lampard.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have shifted to a ‘back three’ and the gaffer is likely to retain the same going forward. They have ample options to feature in the heart of the backline but, at the same time, must bolster the setup to compete for multiple silverware. Thiago Silva would be 37 in a few months’ time whereas AC Milan have roped in Fikayo Tomori on permanent terms. Cesar Azpilicueta is in his thirties too and the inconsistency of both Andreas Christensen and Kurt Zouma might lead to a crisis amid fixture congestion.
Marquinhos is currently enjoying his minutes with the Selecao in the ongoing Copa America competition. He has emerged as Brazil’s prime central defensive option, also his ability to operate from deep down the midfield depicts versatility while attuning to various formations. The ex-Corinthians star has spent 8 years so far in the French capital following a €31.4m summer move from Roma back in 2013. He took little time to settle in and has featured more than 300 times already.
Why Chelsea Should Opt For Marquinhos Over Rice
The Blues have kept close tabs on Rice for a while who flourished at West Ham since being released from the Blues’ youth ranks. At 22, he has grabbed a regular role in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions line up and the Irons, therefore, are desperate to make a significant financial profit from his departure.
The youngster penned a long-term contract with the East Londoners and the club are not in any sort of compulsion to accept Chelsea’s offer. They have clinched European football following a sixth-placed Premier League finish and the presence of Rice as a double pivot alongside Tomáš Souček would be crucial to meet their 2021-22 objects. He has also exhibited his excellence as a centre-half, but the Irons’ valuation is indeed a lot higher compared to Marquinhos’. Chelsea are known for their hefty spendings on high-profile stars and the interest in the Brazilian shows their ambition of maintaining the elite status.
